MLK Community Celebration

PRESENTED BY WELLS FARGO

• SERIES: African American History Programs | View All Series Dates

• LOCATION: Throughout the Museum | Museum

• DATES: January 12-15, 2024

• TIMES: Times vary - See scheduled below

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the holiday weekend. Families are invited to join us on Friday, Saturday, and Monday for youth activism workshops, meaningful conversations on race and social justice, storytelling, movement with Mama Lisa, and craft workshops. On Sunday afternoon all are invited to an MLK Commemoration and gospel concert followed by an after-hours, all-levels yoga class set to live gospel music with The Collective STL.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, AND SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

Activist City: Creating Community in St. Louis | 10:00am–2:00pm

As part of our MLK Community Celebration, explore the people, places, and issues that inspired activists in the past to organize their communities and advocate for change, and hear from organizers doing the same work today.
SEE FULL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
TIMED EVENTS

It Starts with Me: MLK Commemoration and Gospel Concert | 2:00–3:30pm | Lee Auditorium

(All Ages) Join us in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King with spoken word, a discussion of his philosophies, and a gospel concert. The program will open with an invocation by Reverend Kevin M. Kosh of Beloved Community United Methodist Church, followed by an empowering spoken word performance by Tracy Stanton. Dr. Terry Harris, founder of The Collective STL, will delve into the practice of ahimsa, or nonviolence, and the program will end with a performance by the Community Gospel Choir.

Gospel Yoga: An Ahimsa Practice | 5:00–6:30pm | MacDermott Grand Hall

(All Ages) Join us for yoga in the Grand Hall led by The Collective STL. Dr. King’s activism was rooted in a practice of ahimsa, or nonviolence. Learn more about this concept and enjoy a yoga class with a gospel ensemble of raised voices for inspiration. The yoga practice will end with a sound bath followed by cookies and conversation. Bring your yoga mat, water bottle, friends, and family. All ages and abilities are welcome.

The Collective STL is a yoga and wellness space located in the heart of Old North St. Louis that supports thousands of St. Louisans with mental wellness through culturally aware, trauma-informed programming for healing. The Collective STL’s goal is to create a space where Black people in St. Louis have adequate access to health and wellness spaces, spaces that center their (our) identities and experiences, spaces that are warm and welcoming, and spaces that build community.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15
TIMED EVENTS

Youth Activism Workshop: Leaders and Legacies | 10:30–11:30am, 11:45am–12:45pm | AT&T Multipurpose Room

(Ages 6–18) Why do we remember some leaders and not others? What values are reflected in the stories we tell about civil rights leaders? In this thought-provoking workshop, students of all ages will use primary sources to explore the complex legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists and think about how we will honor them in the future.

Step into the Story with St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature | 10:30–11:15am, 2:00–3:00pm | Lee Auditorium  

(Ages 0–10) St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature will present a storytelling performance with a DJ and music, positive affirmations, and a special reading of I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dream by author Tanisia Moore. Each story time will be followed by a book giveaway and book signing by the author.

MLK Movement Workshop with Mama Lisa | 1:15–2:00pm, 2:30–3:15pm | AT&T Multipurpose Room

(All Ages) Learn about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and those who have fought for our civil rights through a special workshop that incorporates music, movement, and storytelling. Celebrate the achievements of Dr. King on a story-dance journey with Mama Lisa. Children will learn about segregation and the effect it had on young Martin Luther King.

Ahimsa and Nonviolence in Your Daily Life, presented by The Collective STL | 1:15–2:00pm | Karen Goering Classroom and Atrium

(Ages 6+, Including Adults) Join The Collective STL for an all-ages discussion inspired by the practice of ahimsa, or avoidance of violence, which Dr. King’s work embodied, followed by creative reflection.

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Time Travel Room: The Dagen Family Home | 10:00am–2:00pm | Schnucks Classroom

(All Ages) Throughout history, activists met in homes around St. Louis to share meals, support, ideas, and plans for action and change. Visit an activist’s living room from the past and take part in advocating for issues you care about through crafts, guided activities, and more!

Make-and-Takes | 10:00am–4:00pm | Grand Hall 

(All Ages) Drop in anytime! Families can make advocacy-inspired crafts.

African American History Initiative (AAHI) programming is presented by Wells Fargo.

ASL interpretation is available for programs with two weeks' advance notice. Please email access@mohistory.org to request ASL interpretation or with other accessibility questions.