DES MOINES, Iowa — Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated across the country on Monday and here in the metro, there are a variety of opportunities for people to get involved.
DMPS Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts
The Des Moines Public Schools is holding their annual MLK Day celebration Monday with superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts giving the keynote speech. Activities such art projects, discussions, and a Q&A will be available for kids starting at 3:30 p.m.
- When: 4 to 5 p.m.
- Where: Forest Avenue Library
King Elementary Service Projects
The Community Youth Concepts and Stowe Heights MLK Day are hosting portable workshops and student-led service projects for all ages.
- When: 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: King Elementary School
- Registration: MLK Day of Service: The Time is Always Right to Do What is Right
Meals from the Heartland Day of Service
Meals from the Heartland is hosting meal packaging at both of their locations. Groups are able to sign up for times throughout the day to package meals for those in need.
- When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: West Des Moines Packaging Center and Polk County River Place
- Registration: Meals from the Heartland
Brenton Park Donate and Skate
Those who donate at the Brenton Skating Plaza on Monday will receive free admission and skate rental. Food items and warm adult and child size clothes are acceptable donations items.
- When: 12 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Brenton Skating Plaza
- Admission: Donation
Hope + Elim Church Celebration
The church will host a speicial “Stand Up” MLK Day celebration with performaced by Bridges 2 Harmony choir and hear from special guest Brittany K. Barnett, author and attorney, during the event.
- When: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Hope + Elm Church
Drake University Knapp Center
Chamique Holdsclaw, gold medalist and hall of famer, will speak about the barriers to mental health equality at the Knapp Center on Monday morning.
- When: 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Knapp Center
- Admission: $50
Iowa State Workspace
The Workspace is hosting arts and crafts projects including yarn work and MLK themed coloring pages. The event is free and participants are able to pick a MLK Day button.
- When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: The Workspace, Iowa State Memorial Union
Jack Trice Stadium
As part of their MLK Day celebrations Ames will host a program honoring the legacy of Jack Trice. The Founder of the Trice Legacy Foundation, George, W Trice, will give the keynote presentation. People are able to attend in-person or virtually through Facebook or YouTube live.
- When: 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Ames City Auditorium or Virtually
West Des Moines MLK Day Celebrations
MidAmerican Energy is hosting an afternoon of discussion, exhibits, and community award presentation to honor Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy and life of service. This year’s keynote speaker is Al Womble, the Political Director for the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.
- When: 5 – 7 p.m.
- Where: MidAmerican Energy RecPlex
Central College Service Projects
Central College faculty and students will observe the day through service projects and a day of alternative learning. The day will begin with a plenary and end with a panel discussion, through the day service projects around Pella and academic sessions will be held.
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Central College Campus, Pella
Leave a Reply