Triangle MLK Event Schedule

All programs are FREE and open to the public in cooperation with area businesses, corporations, churches and civic organizations.


Friday, January 12

Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Kickoff Event
44th 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

Keynote Speaker: Reverend Dr. Mark Harden, Dean of Shaw University Divinity School

Join this gathering of local leaders, clergy, and community for the Triangle MLK Holiday Weekend kickoff event and wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to honor his life and as a symbol of solidarity towards achieving a more beloved community. ——“It Starts with Me: Creating the Beloved Community.”


Saturday, January 13

National Day of Racial Healing

Sponsored by the YMCA of the Triangle

Sponsoring Partners: The Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and The Encouraging Place

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (First Baptist Church, located at 99 N Salisbury Street)

In commemoration of the 2024 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, and the National Day of Racial Healing.

The YMCA of the Triangle, Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, and the Encouraging Place invite all leaders, churches, youth organizations, and families to join us for a community conversation on Racial Healing.

Special focus on bridging the gap among our youth, connecting, and building relationships ——“It Starts with Me: Creating the Beloved Community.”

Learn more 


Monday, January 15

44th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

“It Starts with Me: Creating a Beloved Community”

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:Reverend Canon Sandye A. Wilson

The Very Rev Canon Sandye A. Wilson – Interim Dean, All Saints
St Thomas, US Virgin Islands · Interim Dean, All Saints Cathedral /Chaplain, All Saints Cathedral School, St Thomas, Virgin Islands · Cathedral Church of All Saints

Experienced Priest and community activist with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry and building bridges of hope.


The 44th Annual Martin Luther King Memorial March

11:00 a.m. (Downtown Raleigh)

Departs at 11 am from State Capitol Building, 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 to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


The 44th Annual Martin Luther King Noon Observation

12:00 p.m. (Martin Marietta Center, Downtown Raleigh)

Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Keynote Speaker: Reverend Sharon Dean, Senior Pastor, Wake Chapel, Raleigh, NC

Featured Artist: The Renowned Martin Luther King All Children’s Choir


44th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr.  Evening Musical Celebration

5:30 p.m. (Martin Marietta Center, Downtown Raleigh)

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The daylong observance concludes with a musical celebration featuring Local and National artists. This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring the family out to celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.