Arlington will celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy online in 2021. Traditionally held in-person, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and precautions, the tribute has been designed as an online experience this year.
“We all wish we could gather together in person for Arlington’s annual tribute to Dr. King—our community, my colleagues—all of us,” County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said. “Celebrating his life and legacy is particularly important now as our community and our nation place renewed focus on the imperative of racial equity. We hope you can join us for this virtual celebration, which will showcase new works and highlight some of the best performances of past years.”
Starting Sun., Jan. 17, visit the MLK Tribute webpage for a dynamic experience that allows the user to select the content they wish to view. The content will remain on the webpage for the coming months.
Specific program elements will include a compilation video with performance highlights from past MLK tributes as well as sections featuring music, dance, spoken word, historical footage, new work titled Speak from Prince William County Poet Laureate Kim B. Miller, a presentation by Arlington County’s Chief Race and Equity Officer Samia Byrd and more.
Details on programming, including some of the specific artists and works, can be found on the event webpage.
About the Program
Arlington’s first tribute to Dr. King was in 1969, the year after his assassination. The goal of this program is to bring people together (virtually or in-person) to support the community’s vision of social justice and community. This year’s program is produced in partnership with Encore Stage & Studio.
Virtual Day of Service
Volunteer Arlington’s annual MLK Day of Service program has also pivoted to be online. On Mon., Jan. 18, from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Online volunteer opportunities include service projects, advocacy panels and volunteer trainings. Learn more and register by Thurs., Jan. 14. by visiting volunteer.leadercenter.org/mlk-day-service.
Food Donation Collection
Food donations to benefit Arlington Food Assistance Center clients will be collected outside at the centers below from Jan. 16-18.
- Arlington Mill
- Aurora Hills
- Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center
- Carver
- Fairlington
- Gunston
- Langston-Brown
- Lubber Run
- Madison
- Thomas Jefferson
- Walter Reed
Learn more about the 2021 MLK Tribute event at parks.arlingtonva.us/mlk-tribute/.