National Museum of African American History and Culture - Online Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one week away, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) invites you to celebrate with us.

The People’s Holiday
Monday, January 18 ǀ 4 p.m. Eastern
Free ǀ Online

The People’s Holiday is NMAAHC’s annual program honoring Dr. King’s commitment to racial equality, justice, and service.This year, we are proud to present six-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and educator Christian McBride in a digital performance inspired by his social justice-focused album The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons.Join us online for a 45-minute performance of jazz and poetry, which also features students from the Julliard School and award-winning poet Evie Shockley. The program will conclude with a conversation between Christian McBride and NMAAHC Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs Dwandalyn Reece. The People’s Holiday is generously supported by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.

Kids’ Activities Celebrating Dr. King
Monday, January 18
Free ǀ OnlineBeginning on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, hop over to our NMAAHC early childhood education webpage to pick out a MLK-inspired art project for your child. While you’re there, check out our guide to children’s books and resources that support discussions about race at home.

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Joyful Activity Booklets

Martin Luther King Jr. Day also marks the launch of a new series of publications for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers: Joyful Activity Booklets. Inspired by A Is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book, written by NMAAHC’s Anna Hindley and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo, Joyful Activity Booklets help young children develop literacy skills and a positive sense of self. On January 18th, check out our NMAAHC early childhood education webpage to find our first two booklets, A Is for Amazing and B Is for Brave. Each month, children, caregivers, and educators can explore new booklets together!We hope you will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with us! You can take your commitment to Dr. King’s dream to the next level when you join as a Member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.Images: Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., freedom singing, SCLC Convention, 1962, by James H. Karales, Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Monica Karales and the Estate of James Karales © Estate of James Karales, 2015.129.14. Evie Shockley and Christian McBride. Photo of child by Jaclyn Nash / NMAAHC.