The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum this MLK weekend to commemorate civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, a weekend of virtual programming from Friday, January 15 through Monday, January 18, 2021.

Four days of virtual events feature arts and activism programming in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and highlight the voices of community leaders and artists who live the legacy of Dr. King through their work. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s impossible to gather for Baltimore’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. programs offer the Baltimore region an opportunity to safely honor Dr. King during this historic weekend.

The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. features a High School Juried Art Show and Artist Talk with Will Watson on Friday, January 15; a lecture featuring Eddie S. Glaude Jr, in partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library, on Saturday, January 16; a Celebratory Film Screening, on Sunday, January 17; and The Art of Activism: Youth Activists Panel Discussion, on Monday, January 18.

Full Schedule

High School Juried Art Show and Artist Talk with Will Watson

Friday, January 15, 2021 - 7PM
Join the Lewis Museum to recognize Maryland high school students who participated in the annual art show. This year’s artistic theme is inspired by the exhibition Make Good Trouble: Marching for Change currently on view at the Lewis Museum. This virtual program includes an artist talk with Will Watson, spoken word presentation by DewMore Baltimore and a conversation with the student artists. In partnership with the Maryland State Education Association. In partnership with the Lewis Museum. More Information

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Lecture Featuring Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Saturday, January 16, 2021 - 1PM
Author Eddie S. Glaude Jr. will talk about race today in America following the Trumpian era of shattered promises and white retrenchment. Mixing biography–drawn partially from newly uncovered interviews–with history, memoir, and trenchant analysis of our current moment, Begin Again is Glaude’s attempt, following Baldwin, to bear witness to the difficult truth of race. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Princeton University and author of Democracy in Black. In partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library. More Information

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebratory Film Screening

Sunday, January 17, 2021 - 7PM

Monday, January 18, 2021 - 9PM, (Comcast/Ch 25)

Hear from Baltimore artists and activists whose work honors the legacy of Dr. King. The celebratory video also highlights past footage of Baltimore’s historic and beloved MLK parade. Streaming on Charm TV and BOPA’s YouTube. Sponsored by WBFF FOX45 and Radio One: 92Q, Magic 95.9, Spirit 1400, Praise 106.1, and WOLB 1010. Supported by Charm TV and the City of Baltimore. More Information.

The Art of Activism: Youth Activists Panel Discussion

Monday, January 18, 2021 at 8PM on CharmTV, (Comcast/Ch 25)
2020 ignited a cultural revolution of youth activism. In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, join us for a powerhouse conversation as panelists discuss issues and themes related to MLK’s legacy, inequality, and social injustices. Writer Lisa Snowden McCray will serve as moderator. Panelists include Destinae Butler, Baltimore’s 2020 Youth Poet Laureate; Lynnea Davis, Youth Activist; Destini Philpot, Good Kids Mad City; and Tia Thomas, Wide Angle Youth Media. Streaming on Charm TV. More Information.

More information about The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is available at www.promotionandarts.org and www.lewismuseum.org.