Carry on the legacy of Dr. King's activism with DC Public Library's celebration of MLK Week, It Starts with Me. In 1957, Dr. King said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" He knew that to move toward equality, we would all have to consider our role in the work. During MLK Week 2024, DC Public Library locations across the city are honoring the voices, past and present that embody the phrase It Starts With Me. Join us for compelling discussions, check out engaging reads and immerse yourself in the history of activism right here in D.C. as we celebrate 50 years of Home Rule all with your DC Public Library card.
Upcoming Events
The Public Square: David Johns
Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Educator, policy wonk, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition–the nation’s oldest civil rights organization dedicated to the twin goals of racial equity and LGBTQ+ equality–and self-described disruptor-in-chief Dr. David J. Johns will be in conversation with educator and author Dr. Chris Emdin. Together, they will unpack the importance of centering intersectionality in pursuing social justice, racial equity, and inclusive democracy, specifically the unique and often overlooked experiences of Black queer, transgender, and gender-expansive public middle and high school students in the United States.
CANCELED | WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE
Lecture by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III on the Life of MLK
Thursday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Join us during MLK Week for a lecture by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. Using his book, Dancing in the Darkness, Dr. Moss will discuss the significant events and experiences from Martin Luther King Jr.'s childhood and youth that shaped his perspectives and propelled Dr. King to become a civil rights leader and social justice advocate. Dr. Moss will be joined in conversation by Rev. Thomas Bowen, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs and the Director of the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs.
The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Documentary Screening and Discussion
Sunday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Enjoy a very special movie screening and conversation, moderated by Executive Producer Soledad O’Brien. “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks,” based on the bestselling biography by Jeanne Theoharis, corrects the record on Rosa Parks’ often-overlooked accomplishments and the erasure of her radical politics. In short, what we are taught in school about Rosa Parks is a mere fraction of the full story about who she truly was.
CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER | WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE
It Starts with Me! A Beyond the Book Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, Jan. 15, 1 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as area musical performers, spoken word artists and activities. Bring your family as we fill the central library for an unforgettable day of celebration and reflection.
Barracoon with Ibram X. Kendi
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
MahoganyBooks, DC Public Library and the DC Public Library Foundation are thrilled to host #1 New York Times bestselling author and scholar Ibram X. Kendi as he discusses his adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's Barracoon for young readers. We encourage families to bring any young people in their life to this monumental event, highlighting important Black American history.
See All Upcoming MLK Week Events at a Library Near You
Books for Kids and Families
Books for Teens
Books for Adults
Selected Works by Dr. King
On Exhibit
Up from the People
We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist D.C.
Related Reads
Anniversary of the March on Washington
Celebrate the Anniversary of the March on Washington which took place on Aug. 28, 1963, at the March on Washington. Check out recommended titles, stream documentaries and research both local and national history related to this landmark moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
50 Years of Home Rule
On Dec. 24, 2023, D.C. celebrates 50 years of Home Rule The Home Rule Act, passed by Congress on December 24, 1973, devolved select congressional powers to reorganize the governmental structure of Washington, D.C.; provided a charter for local governance, including the election of a mayor and city council; and delegated certain legislative powers to the local government. The significance of this anniversary is all the more compelling when you consider that governance of the District of Columbia was controlled by Congress for 183 years, from our city’s founding on July 16, 1790 until Christmas Eve, 1973. The Home Rule Act was an important, long-overdue step towards granting DC residents the same democratic rights as citizens of all fifty states.
