While this year marks 40 years since the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), it has only been 37 since the first official observance. One of the most commonly practiced traditions to honor King’s legacy has been a “day of service,” where folks volunteer, commune, and sometimes discuss the value of King’s legacy. Philadelphia has been organizing its day of service for 25 years.
This weekend, multiple MLK-themed events are happening in the neighborhood that neighbors can visit or support.
“Beloved Community” Conversation
Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together (GREAT) is hosting a conversation centered around “beloved community” with topics focused on gentrification, displacement, and housing justice. The discussion will happen Monday, January 16, at Our House Culture Center at 6380 Germantown Avenue (corner of Germantown Avenue & Johnson Street) from 1-3 p.m. GREAT will serve a light lunch. Please RSVP ahead of time, as capacity is limited.
Radical MLK Symposium
For their sixth year, Uncle Bobbie’s and owner Marc Lamont Hill will host the 6th Annual Radical MLK Symposium, where speakers will be invited to discuss the radical legacy of MLK. Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly, Dr. Obery Hendricks, Rev. Dr. Leslie Callahan, and Dr. Jared Ball will all be featured. The symposium will happen on Saturday, January 14, at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) at 6001 Germantown Avenue. Neighbors can register here. The event will also be streamed on the Uncle Bobbie’s YouTube channel.
“Menstrualize It” on MLK Day
No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc. will host a day of service, offering free pre-packaged menstrual products to those who need it. Volunteers can also show up to pack menstrual bags for distribution. No More Secrets will also host period education classes. Their day will happen at The SPOT Period Hub at 4811 Germantown Avenue, Suite 101, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pop-Up Shop
Perfectly Flawless Foundation, Kinesics Dance Dynamics (KDD), and KSCII Inc are hosting a free pop-up shop for folks in need with the belief that everyone deserves a dignified shopping experience. The pop-up shop will happen on Monday, January 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the KDD Theatre at 5427 Germantown Avenue. They ask that volunteers lend their time between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to be shop associates, personal shoppers, and assist with venue breakdown. They will also need volunteers on Sunday, January 15, from 1-5 p.m. to assist with sorting and venue setup.
There is a call for donations to stock this event. They accept clothing for all ages, sizes, styles, as well as shoes & accessories. No stained or damaged items — new and gently used items only. All donations can be dropped off at Perfectly Flawless Boutique at 5312 Germantown Avenue up until this Saturday. Check www.kddtheatre.com/mlk for more information.