Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024 is Monday, Jan. 15.

The day of service celebrates the civil rights leader and emphasizes his legacy and the work ahead to attain racial equality.

While many schools and organizations count it as a holiday, its “day on, not a day off” culture prevails through selfless acts like volunteering.

Celebrate the birthday of King and honor his legacy of social justice and equity at one of these events in Philadelphia.

Listen to speakers read excerpts from King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and other works from civil rights leaders like George Jackson, Angela Y. Davis, Malcolm X, and Ida B. Wells. The event includes live discussions, hands-on activities, and opportunities to register to vote or write a postcard to someone incarcerated in a Pennsylvania prison. ($17 — free for children under 12, Monday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, easternstate.org)

The Constitution Center is honoring King this year by offering free online education programs. There will be online readings of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and an online celebration of student voices in the civil rights movement. (Free, Jan. 19, noon, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia, constitutioncenter.org)

For an entire weekend, the Museum of the American Revolution will be hosting events centered on King’s legacy and the civil rights movement throughout American history. Theatrical performances, community conversations, and exhibits about historical figures are included in the cost of admission. ($13-$24, Jan. 13-15, 101 S. Third St., Philadelphia, amrevmuseum.org)

Honor King’s legacy with service projects focused on protecting forests at the Schuylkill Center. All members of the community can participate in a wide range of service projects. Registration is required. (Free, Monday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd., Philadelphia, schuylkillcenter.org)

Head to Glenda Anne Memorial Garden (5900 Greenway Ave.) for MLK Service Day. You’ll help with mulching and weeding the park, cleaning up the block, and more. Warm drinks and light bites will be offered, plus work gloves, trash bags, and other supplies. (Free, Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, 5900 Greenway Ave., Philadelphia, bartramsgarden.org)

Bring scarves, hats, and gloves to donate to Bethesda Project, a nonprofit organization that provides items to the unhoused in Philadelphia — but make sure the items are new. You’ll get one free Parx Liberty Carousel ride or free admission to the Betsy Ross House per person with each donation. Drop off donations at Franklin Square or Betsy Ross House. (Free, Jan. 13-15, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 239 Arch St., Philadelphia, and Sixth and Race Streets, Philadelphia, historicphiladelphia.org)

The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service is back with what’s billed as the nation’s oldest and largest King Day of Service. Volunteers can choose from nearly 100 community events. (Monday, volunteer.globalcitizen365.org)

Here are some of the service opportunities. Check the Global Citizen website for more information.