MACON, Ga. — Martin Luther King Jr. day is around the corner on January 15.
Several places in central Georgia are hosting events honoring his legacy, which began years ago as he rose to power in the march for Civil Rights.
He was born in Atlanta, and was the son of a Baptist minister. He later went on to lead the headed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in the fight against discrimination.
His most famed appearance was during the March on Washington where he delivered his "I have a Dream" speech that is one of the most quoted pieces of civil rights literature.
Lots of places around central Georgia will hold gatherings to remember the man behind the movement.
Where: Macon City Hall
When: Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.
The march will begin at the Gordon City Hall at 115 College Street and arrive at St. John CME Church for worship and a community announcement.
Where: Centenary Community by Tattnall Square Park
When: Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.
You can join First Baptist Church of Christ, High Street Unitarian Universalist Church, Mulberry United Methodist, and Centenary Community for "a day of giving and receiving community support in honor of the national MLK Day of Service movement."
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., they will be giving out grocery items, clothing, simple bike repairs, hygiene and household items, hot (ready to eat) meals, and more.
They will also have a kids zone where parents can drop off kids to play and then move through the booths freely.
3) MLK Breakfast in Warner Robins
Where: First Baptist Church on 210 Garmon Street
When: Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.
You can join members of the community for a free breakfast program, followed by a college fair for young adults.
Where: GCSU Magnolia Ballroom
When: Jan. 12 from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
Georgia College & State University and community partners are hosting the "Forget Us Not: A Path to Love - MLK, Jr. Community Breakfast."
Students and members of the community are invited as the school hosts essay competition winners from our local schools.
The event listing says "their essays will reflect the concept of this year’s theme within our nation and the Milledgeville/Baldwin County community."
The breakfasts costs $20 to attend, and you can register online here.
Where: Downtown Dublin
When: Jan. 13 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Folks can gather in downtown Dublin to see several floats and vendors in the parade. For more information you can visit the event listing here.
6) Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Where: Glorious Hope Baptist Church, 3805 Napier Avenue in Macon
When: Jan. 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Folks can join in feeding the homeless and food insecure families. If you have questions you can call 478-477-1609.
6) MLK Celebration in Forsyth
Where: Monroe County Courthouse on North Jackson Street
When: Jan. 15. at 12 p.m.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee in Forsyth will celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King with a march. The march will begin at the Monroe County Courthouse, proceeding to Kynette United Methodist Church located at 266 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
At around 12:30 PM, there will be a program at Kynette. Rev. LaDamium Raines, the Pastor of Springhill Baptist Church in Milner, GA, will be the guest speaker.
7) Mercer University MLK Celebration
Where: Willet Auditorium on Mercer's campus
When: Jan. 12, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Mercer University is hosting a MLK event along with a presentation in Willet Auditorium. It was originally slated as a march but, due to possible severe weather, it was changed to only a presentation.
Free shirts will be given to the first 100 registered students who arrive at 3 p.m.
Folks can gather in Willet for a presentation and speech with guest keynote speaker Mayor LaRhonda Patrick.
8) Tubman Museum MLK Events
Where: The Tubman Museum
When: Jan 15, at 8 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
The museum will begin the day with an MLK breakfast at 8 a.m., with guest speaker Theresa Sullivan.
Then at 10 a.m., there will be screenings of "King," "The Night James Brown Saved Boston," and "I am not your Negro" films.
After that, there will be a Tubman Children of the Arts program at 12:30 hosted by Minister Joel Chambliss from Friendship Baptist Church.
Then, at 1:30p.m., the museum will have a youth and family summit called "It Starts with Me," with guest speaker minister Tonya Parker.
It is a workshop that is focused on "Dr. King's ideals of equality, equity, and inclusion with emphasis on the principles of human and civil rights."
Families and youth of all ages are welcome.