MLK Day Events - Olathe, Overland Park, Gardner, Kansas City

Honor the life and legacy of one of the greatest men of all times. There are some great craft ideas on our Pinterest board. Here are some community celebrations:

Jan 7th - MLK 50th Anniversary Commemorating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One Man / One Dream / One Hope / One Theme
3-5 pm
JCCC Carlsen Center Yardley Hall, Overland Park
Keynote Speaker Ryan M. Jones, Historian with the National Civil Rights Museum
Special Guest Presentations and Performances by Storling Dance Theatre, William Baker Festival Singers, Mr. Galen Gaut, Dr. Cynthia "Mama J" Johnson

Jan. 12th - Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibit
8:30 am - 5 pm
Gardner City Hall, Gardner
The exhibit will feature new displays highlighting King’s life as it relates to the Civil Rights Movement, his distinct focus on service and social justice, and his death. A children’s workstation will permit kids to read age-appropriate materials and complete worksheets to advance their knowledge about King and understand why he is commemorated each year. There is also an interactive quiz to test kids’ understanding of what they’ve learned. Every visitor will receive a Martin Luther King Jr. keepsake. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Jan. 14th 18th Annual Olathe MLK Celebration: A View from the Mountaintop
3-5 pm
Bell Cultural Arts Center, Olathe
Performances by guitarist Lester Estelle, Sr., Leigh’s School of Dance, Prairie Trail Middle School Cantabile Choir, and Olathe Human Relations Commission’s MLK Celebration Choir, comprised of Olathe Public Schools high school students and community members. Student art contest winners will also be announced. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s MLK Celebration features essay, visual arts, and multi-media awards for local students. Over 4,300 Olathe students submitted entries. All contest winners will receive cash prizes. Select students will read personal essays exploring the event theme and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” Entries will be on display for public viewing and will remain on display at the downtown Olathe Public Library following the celebration through the end of January. Johnson County 10th District Judge Rhonda K Mason will deliver the keynote address. 

Jan. 15th - MLK Jr. Day of Service
10 am - 5 pm
Olathe Downtown Library, Olathe
Drop by the Olathe Library to celebrate Dr. King's birthday by hosting a day of service projects for local nonprofit agencies. Assist one of the local nonprofit agencies with a special project. There will also be a food drive for Harvesters at both libraries from Jan 15 - Feb. 19. “View from the Mountaintop” Display. Student finalist’s work in essays, poems, artwork and multimedia projects on display from January 15 – February 19 at Olathe Downtown.

Jan. 15th - MLK Day of Service
9 am - 12 pm
8th St Family YMCA, Kansas City, KS - Create birthday cards for local assisted living facilities, hospitals, and foster homes.
Providence YMCA / Ball Family Center, Kansas City, KS - Create get well cards for patients at Providence Medical Center.
Bonner Springs Family YMCA - Create birthday cards for residents with January and February birthdays at Piper Assisted Living. 
Olathe Family YMCA - Create birthday cards for local assisted living facilities, hospitals, and foster homes. You can also help assemble healthy jump-starter kits with healthy recipes, water bottles, fresh fruit, and more to help others get going on their path to healthy living.
Paul Henson Family YMCA, Prairie Village - Create birthday cards for local assisted living facilities, hospitals, and foster homes.

Jan 16th - 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration: Honoring the Dream
9: 30 am
MNU College Church of the Nazarene, Olathe
Each year at this event MNU presents its Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Award. And the Martin Luther King Jr. Leader Scholars will be recognized at the event. Bishop Jack C. Vaughn, I is this year's Speaker & Living Legacy Award Recipient.