Triangle MLK Event Schedule
All events are FREE and open to the public in cooperation with area businesses, corporations, churches and civic organizations.
Friday, January 16
Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Kickoff Event
46th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Raleigh)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens
1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh
Sponsoring Partner: Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA)
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Aaron McNair, II
Pastor, Mt. Moriah Community Church, Raleigh, NC
Saturday, January 17
National Day of Racial Healing Community Dialogue
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Durham)
St. Joseph’s A.M.E 2521
Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC
For the third consecutive year, the YMCA will host a community gathering in recognition of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing. dialogue and inspire action toward a more just and equitable world.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Chalice Overy, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Event features a musical performance and brings people together to reflect, engage in dialogue and inspire action toward a more just and equitable world.
Sponsoring Partners: North Carolina Central University, the Triangle MLK Committee and the Durham MLK Committee, First Chronicles Community Church and sponsored by Wells Fargo. For more information, please visit ymcatriangle.org/mlk-weekend.
Monday, January 19
46th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham)
In-person at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 4700 Emperor Blvd. Durham, NC (RTP)
- Doors open at 6 am. Breakfast available until 8 am
- Program starts at 7:15 am
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jemonde Taylor
Father Taylor is a priest, environmentalist, community organizer, and griot focused on the intersection of race, Christianity, Blackness, and culture. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from NC State, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in robotics and vehicle design from Stanford University, and an M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary in NYC. Learn more at Jemonde.com
The 46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March
11:00 a.m. (Downtown Raleigh)
Departs at 11 am from the State Capitol Building, 100 Edenton Street Side, Downtown Raleigh
- 10:00 a.m. March Assembly Lineup
- 11:00 a.m. March Begins
Inviting all civic organizations, community leaders, and families to join us for the Annual Memorial Tribute March as we celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Lightner Y Achievers will lead the YMCA of the Triangle’s presence at the annual MLK Day March.
The 46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Noon Ecumenical Service
Noon – 2 p.m. (Raleigh)
The Martin Marietta Center for Performing Art- Meymandi Concert Hall
2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
Sponsoring Partner: Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
Keynote Speaker: Reverend Dr. Joseph Stevenson
Pastor, Macedonia New Life Church, Raleigh, NC
Day of Service – YMCA of the Triangle
All Day
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage individuals to volunteer within their communities in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. Multiple branches of the YMCA of the Triangle are organizing events for staff, members, and local community members to collaborate toward a shared objective. For more information, visit ymcatriangle.org/mlk-weekend.