ATLANTA — The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) has unveiled the official schedule for the 40th Annual King Holiday Observance (KHO), set to culminate on January 20, 2025, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year marks what would have been Dr. King’s 96th birthday, and the theme for the 2025 observance is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.”
The theme highlights Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent action as essential tools in preserving the foundational values of freedom, justice, and democracy. It also serves as a call to action, urging everyone to unite in the pursuit of a world where these values are upheld peacefully and through nonviolent means.
KHO 2025: A Week of Meaningful Events
Starting January 7, 2025, The King Center will host a week of engaging and educational events celebrating Dr. King’s legacy while advancing his vision of a nonviolent and just society. Key events for King Holiday week include:
- January 7: KHO Press Conference (Invitation Only)
- January 8: 2025 KHO Kickoff Reception & Book Signing (Open to the public, in-person)
- January 11: MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards (Open to the public, in-person – ticket required)
- January 13-14: Nonviolence365 Training (Virtual sessions)
- January 14: Beloved Community Youth Book Reading (Virtual, for K-5th grade students)
- January 15: Beloved Community Global Summit (Hybrid, open to the public)
- January 16: Beloved Community Global Youth Summit (Hybrid, open to the public)
- January 17: Beloved Community Teach-In (Available for K-12 educators)
- January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service (In-person at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, also available for live broadcast and streaming)
Honoring Outstanding Leaders: MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards
On January 11, The King Center will present the prestigious MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards to individuals and organizations that exemplify Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality. The confirmed recipients for 2025 include:
- Jenifer Lewis – Actress, singer, author, and activist.
- Nadia Murad – Nobel Peace Laureate and President of Nadia’s Initiative.
- Morris Brown College – Accepted by President Dr. Kevin E. James.
- PSYONIC – Accepted by CEO and Founder Dr. Aadeel Akhtar.
- Black Voters Matter – Accepted by Co-Founders LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright.
These honorees have made significant contributions to advancing social justice, equality, and empowerment in their respective fields, continuing Dr. King’s legacy of creating a more equitable world.
Youth Engagement and Global Participation
This year’s observance places a strong emphasis on youth involvement and global collaboration, featuring several programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Notable events include the Beloved Community Youth Book Reading (January 14) and the Beloved Community Global Youth Summit (January 16), both of which will be offered virtually, allowing students and young leaders from around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue about Dr. King’s values and how they can contribute to building a better future.
Commemorative Service and Service Projects
On January 20, 2025, the observance will conclude with the Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. King’s spiritual home. The service will feature a powerful keynote address by Reverend William Barber, a renowned advocate for social justice. It will be available for public viewing both in-person and through live broadcast.
Additionally, there will be an in-person Beloved Community Service Project on January 20, encouraging attendees to give back to their communities through acts of service in honor of Dr. King’s commitment to justice and equality.
Nonviolence365 Training and Education for All Ages
The King Center’s Nonviolence365 program, a key part of its educational initiatives, will offer several training sessions for adults and educators. These virtual training sessions (January 13-14) provide participants with the tools and knowledge to engage in nonviolent social change, enhancing their leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills…