Monday, January 20th marks the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday that honors civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Learn more with these books, movies, community events, and online resources.
Community Events
Snohomish County
- People's March, Sign Waving Rally & Food Drive - Everett: On Saturday, January 18, from 2:00–3:30 p.m., join the march and rally at 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA, to honor Dr. King’s legacy. The event promotes justice, solidarity, and support for local food banks. Participants are encouraged to bring signs and non-perishable food donations.
- Day of Service - Lynnwood: On January 20 at 9:00 a.m., join the City of Lynnwood for the MLK Day of Service at the Lynnwood Senior Center (19000 44th Ave W). Volunteers will help beautify the Mesika Trail, pulling invasive plants, repairing the trail, and planting trees. Materials are provided, and the event is free.
- I’ve Been to the Mountain Top - Edmonds: On January 20, Lift Every Voice will sponsor the 7th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Edmonds Waterfront Center (220 Railroad Ave). The event features performances by Mt. Vernon High School Mariachi and Shorecrest Hip Hop, along with family-friendly activities such as dancing, arts and crafts, and book readings.
- Monday March and Rally - Everett: On Monday, January 20, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee will host a march and rally starting at Everett Memorial Stadium (3900 Broadway) and concluding at the VOAWW Carl Gipson Center. Activities at the center include music, food, and speeches.
- YMCA Day of Service Activities: On January 20, join the YMCA of Snohomish County for a "Day of Service" with volunteer projects supporting local food banks, senior centers, and neighborhood cleanups hosted by each of their six branches.
King County
- Day of Service – Bothell: The City of Bothell will host a volunteer event to restore salmon habitat in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Former Wayne Golf Course (16721 96th Ave NE). Participants will help with planting native plants, removing invasive species, and spreading mulch. All ages are welcome, and registration is required for planning purposes. Light refreshments and warm beverages will be provided. For more details and to sign up, visit the event's registration page.
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The Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition has planned a variety of events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025:
- Workshops: On January 20, workshops at Garfield High School will cover topics like immigrant rights, education equity, and racial justice. Additional workshops will take place on January 16 and 18 at locations such as Washington Hall and the Northwest African American Museum.
- Opportunity Fair: A career fair at Garfield High School on January 20 from 8:30–11:30 a.m., connecting job seekers with employers like Amazon Web Services and Sound Transit.
- Rally and March: On January 20, the rally will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Garfield High School gym, followed by a march at 12:30 p.m. through Seattle, promoting justice and community empowerment.
- King Day 2025 at the Northwest African American Museum: The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) is hosting its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on January 20, from 10:00a.m.–5:00p.m., featuring a resource expo with over 20 community organizations and family activities such as storytelling, book giveaways, and interactive activities for all ages. More details.
Skagit County
- Tree Planting Event: On January 20, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., join the Skagit Land Trust at Day Creek Forest Conservation Area for a tree planting event in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.
Books & Movies
Hear from the legendary civil rights activist in his own words by reading books written by Dr. King himself, check out one of our many biographies about Dr. King for kids, teens and adults, or watch a DVD or streaming video featuring Dr. King.
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr
Online Resources
GALE in Context: U.S. History - View historical news clippings, videos, articles and more about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Black Freedom Struggle - Browse primary source materials relating to black history and the struggle for equality in the United States, including materials about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.
