Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Monday, and here at Nebraska Is Home, we like to think of this as a day on rather than a day off of work. It’s a day of service, reflection, and education, as we commit ourselves to fostering a welcoming Nebraska, where everyone feels they belong – no matter their background or country of origin. We feel that building a more just and equitable society is the best way to honor the legacy of Dr. King Jr., a Black man who inspired people to fight against injustice of all kinds.
Here are some events across Nebraska that you can join in the spirit of inclusion and fellowship
- Jan. 18 at 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: The 26th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally & March is virtual this year! View the full day of programming and how to join online here.
- Jan. 18 at 10:00 AM: Creighton University is hosting a panel discussion focused on excerpts from Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and what Dr. King’s exhortations mean to our communities today. Register for the Zoom event here.
- Jan. 18 at 11 AM – 1:30 PM: The City of Bellevue invites you to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Celebration & Health Fair live on Zoom and Youtube. An opportunity to reflect, engage and take action in building a beloved, healthy and thriving Bellevue in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equity and community. Register on Eventbrite here.
- Jan. 18 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Join University of Nebraska Medical Center’s (UNMC) Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Celebration. This year’s keynote speaker is Commissioner Chris Rodgers’ from 3rd District in Douglas County. Tune in via Zoom here with the passcode: 514335
- Jan. 18 at 1:00 PM: The Norfolk MLK Jr. Day program will feature a live speech by Preston Love, Jr., founder and director of the Institute for Urban Development in Omaha. Mark your calendar and tune in via Zoom here.
- Jan. 19 at 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Join Creighton University’s MLK Unity Prayer Celebration & Recognition with special guest speaker, Barry Thomas, Director of Equity and Diversity for Omaha Public Schools. Register for the Zoom event here.
- Jan. 19 at 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Join Creighton University’s National Day of Racial Healing: How Did Racism Show Up in 2020? The event will facilitate “experiences rooted in truth-telling, offering people, organizations and communities a day set aside for racial healing, bringing people together to take collective action for a more just and equitable world.” You’ll have a chance to join the conversation in breakout rooms following a panel discussion on this subject. Register here.
- Jan. 28 at 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is hosting the MLK Commemoration Celebration virtually. This year’s program will feature special performances and a conversation with Dr. Bernice A. King, minister and child of Dr. King Jr. Register for the event here.
Here are some ways that you can serve, give back, and get to know your community!
- Jan. 18 at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Open Door Mission | Open Door Mission is looking for volunteers to help sort and assemble donations.
Location: 2205 East Locust Street | Minimum age: 5 years | Environment limit: 10 people at a time | There is limited availability and registration is required ahead of time.
- Jan. 29 at 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM: UNK’s MLK Community Service Day (Welcome Week 2021). Make care packages that will be delivered to Crossroads and Jubilee. | Location: Nebraska Student Union, Ponderosa Room | Contact Luis Olivas at 308-865-8751 or olivasherrlr@unk.edu
Looking for more ways to spend your MLK day? Here are some things to do safely in person:
- Jan. 18 from 10 AM – 4 PM: The Durham Museum Offers FREE ADMISSION on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Reservations are required and you can reserve tickets by visiting the museum’s website or calling 402-444-5071
- Jan. 18 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Omaha Children’s Museum | Omaha Children’s Museum will be open for the holiday. Open play and educational programming. Walk-ups are welcome. However, capacity is limited and reserving a visit time is encouraged so there are no disappointed little ones.
- Nationally, on Jan. 18: Free Admission to National Parks!
Email or share with us on Facebook how you plan to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day! We’d love to hear from you about what’s happening in your neighborhood!