The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a weekend of activities, beginning with the opening of the Thirteenth Amendment this Friday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. MLK Weekend activities at the Freedom Center include:
Friday, Jan. 15
The Thirteenth Amendment opens to the public at 11 a.m. Exhibit included in general admission. To learn more, visit freedomcenter.org/13Amendment.
Saturday, Jan. 16
The Kin Killin’ Kin Youth Think Tank, presented by Queen City Foundation, at 2 p.m. in the Harriet Tubman Theater is free and open to the public. This educational and interactive forum will explore the effects of youth violence through music, drama, dance and visual arts, while empowering youth to take a leading role in finding sustainable solutions. To RSVP call 513-241-1322 or email qcfeducation@gmail.com.
Monday, Jan. 18
The 2016 King Legacy Awards Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Grand Hall, followed by programming and performances in the Harriet Tubman Theater at 9 a.m., will honor the 2015 graduating class of Freedom Center Youth Docents. The program, in partnership with the Cincinnati Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, requires a one year commitment from students, combining themes of courage, cooperation, perseverance and freedom to aid in developing leadership, presentation, communication and critical thinking skills. The 2-16 King Legacy Awards Breakfast is in partnership with the MLK Coalition. Tickets are $35. Call 513-333-7706 for ticket information. Seating is limited.
The National Underground Railroad will open to the public at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 18 with free admission to the permanent exhibitions and family programing. A $5 admission charge is required to view the Freedom Center’s special exhibitions, Kin Killin’ Kin and historic, freedom documents Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment.
Activities and programs are scheduled throughout the day and include:
“I Have A Dream…” Youth Activity
Cotton Gin Demonstration & Presentation
Justice For All Presentation
Celebrating The Dream Storytelling & Crafts
Hoxworth Blood Center’s Annual MLK Day Blood Drive will begin at 11 a.m. on the third floor of the museum. To schedule an appointment, please call 513- 451-0910 or visit hoxworth.org/mlk.
“Each year the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates and commemorates the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by opening our doors to the community,” says Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, president. “This year we are honored to have two rare, historic freedom documents on exhibit courtesy of David Rubenstein. Both these documents and King’s legacy continue to educate and inspire new generations of leaders for civil and human rights.”
To learn more about MLK Weekend at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and related programming, visit freedomcenter.org.