Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events

The year 2021 will mark the 53rd year since the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Now more than ever, during the most challenging time in our nation, we must remember and protect Dr. King’s threatened legacy. Founded in the spirit and tradition of Dr. King’s principals, National Action Network (NAN) is proud to be the legacy organization of Dr. King.

On this day, NAN encourages elected officials, community activists, clergy, and leaders across the country to pause and remember the example of Dr. King and the importance of his work. Our annual King Day events not only celebrate Dr. King’s legacy but also provide an opportunity to refocus on the work we each do to advance his dream.

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MLK Virtual Awards NYC
King Day Policy Forum Our Partners

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. VIRTUAL AWARDS


Watch the Awards Live

Every year, NAN's Washington DC Bureau led by Rev. Al Sharpton and Washington Bureau Chief, Ebonie Riley celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Day by holding a breakfast in his honor in Washington, DC. This year's ceremony will take place virtually to honor individuals in their respective fields whose work have expanded justice and equality in their communities.

Co-Chaired by Martin Luther King, III and Tanya L. Lombard, Vice President, Global Public and External Affairs, Head of Multicultural Strategic Initiatives at AT&T Services, Inc.

Past King Day Breakfast honorees have included: 42nd President of the United States, Honorable Bill Clinton, 82nd Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder, Robert Smith, Berry Gordy, Motown Founder, former NAACP President Bruce Gordon, Debbie Allen, Executive Producer, Grey's Anatomy, Director, Choreographer, Actress, Dancer, and Catherine Hughes, Chairperson, and Founder, Radio One, Inc., among others. Our past speakers include Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, to name a few.

2021 Honorees to Be Announced

Sir Hilary Beckles
Vice Chancellor, the University of West Indies
Cavanaugh Bell
Chief Kid Positivity Creator, Cool & Dope
Sindy Benavides
Chief Executive Officer, LULAC
LaTosha Brown
Co-Founder, Black Votes Matter
Stacey Abrams
Former House Minority Leader, Founder of Fair Fight Action
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
Director, National Institure of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S. National Institutes of Health

Register for NAN's DC King Day Virtual Awards

KING DAY POLICY FORUM

In New York City, we will host our annual Public Policy Forum at our National Headquarters, the House of Justice, at 106 West 145th Street at the corner of Lenox Ave from 1pm - 3:30pm with limited seating on a first come first serve basis and in compliance with local COVID-19 guidelines. Local elected officials have participated in the New York City forum to address the local community on what they will do in the coming year to continue to make Dr. King's dream possible and how your efforts this year will be in alignment with his legacy. This year’s Martin Luther King Day Celebration will commemorate Dr. King’s legacy following one of the most historic presidential elections of our lifetime, as we reckon with a new configuration of both our national and state legislatures.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all federal, state and local CDC guidelines will be followed including the following:

  • Temperatures will be taken upon arrival
  • Masks must be worn at all times
  • Social distancing will be enforced
  • Gathering capacity guidelines will be followed
  • Please keep your comments to less than 4 minutes

The program will be available via live streaming on NAN's Facebook page and on the site for those that are not able to attend in person.

To confirm your participation, or for additional information, please contact 877.626.4651

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