CELEBRATE MLK DAY WITH THE WRIGHT!  

Explore the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History! Don't miss this incredible annual event, commemorating the life and times of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History presented by Citizens Bank. View a full schedule of events below.

The day’s events begin with breakfast at 8 a.m. (museum doors open at 7:30 a.m.), with an invocation from Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson from West Side Unity Church and a keynote from Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd. Dr. Boyd is a Distinguished Professor in African American Studies at Wayne State University and an award-winning author of 13 books, nine of which are poetry.

“We are proud to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s., holiday each year at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Dr. King's work and vision is as relevant today, in these ever-changing times, as they were during his lifetime. This year, we again look forward to a dynamic day of celebrating his life and legacy, and imagining, with the various generations who will join us on Monday, and what it means to continue to carry his vision forward, " said  Neil A. Barclay, President & CEO, Charles H. Wright Museum.

Schedule: 

MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST | 8 AM - 11 AM
Join us for a buffet breakfast and an inspiring program featuring an invocation from Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Senior Pastor of West Side Unity Church and a keynote from Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd. Dr. Boyd is a Distinguished Professor in African American Studies at Wayne State University and an award-winning author of 13 books, nine of which are poetry.

WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMMING | 11 AM - 3 PM
We’ll feature simultaneous educational workshops and programming. Program includes a “Tipping the Poem” Poetry Work led by Poet Tawana Petty. Museum staff will also lead educational and interactives workshops on Dr. King’s march in Memphis, current issues, and what participants’ dream is today.

FEATURE FILM: WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE ON RACISM IN AMERICA | 1 PM - 3 PM
Interweaving lecture, personal anecdotes, interviews, and revelations, ACLU deputy legal director Jeffery Robinson draws a stark timeline of anti-Black racism in the United States, from slavery to modern America and our collective responsibility to overcome it.

PRESIDENT’S LECTURE SERIES | 4 PM - 5:30 PM
Sponsored by Detroit Public Television

The 2023 President’s Lecture Series is a curated collection of events featuring dynamic speakers chosen by the President of the Charles H. Wright Museum, Neil A. Barclay. Dedicated to bringing insightful and robust conversation to the Detroit community, the series addresses critical topics in the areas of civic engagement, art, history, and culture.

The first lecture features Charles M. Blow, an American journalist, commentator and op-ed columnist for The New York Times and current political analyst for MSNBC. Mr. Blow is also the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times best-selling memoir, Fire Shut Up in My Bones. His second book is called, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto.

Tickets for the breakfast and President’s Lecture Series go on sale on Friday, January 6th. Members will receive a discount for these events.

Programming and the film screening are free to members, and non-members can attend for regular admission fees.

Media Contact:
Kelly Miner, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E. Warren Avenue, Michigan 48201
kminer@thewright.org or call 313.494.5865