Cambridge Commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Various Events and MLK Day of Service and Learning January 9-20

The City of Cambridge is proudly hosting multiple events to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year. Additionally, Many Helping Hands is once again hosting the MLK Day of Service.
Dr. MLK Jr. Day Lecture Series 50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, January 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Central Square Branch Library, 45 Pearl Street

The Cambridge Public Library celebrates the 50th year of our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Lecture Series with festivities for all.

Lady Lee and the New Awakenings Band bring the fun and the tunes to the Central Square Branch's Lewis Room - the original location of the lecture series. Check out the Central Square Branch's Black Voices Collection, learn the history of the MLK, Jr. Day Lecture Series, and help us celebrate this iconic milestone! Refreshments will be provided. Registration is preferred but not required.

Register for this event.

50th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture with Reginald Dwayne Betts
Tuesday, January 14, 6- 7:30p.m.
Main Branch Library, 449 Broadway

Join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming Reginald Dwayne Betts-poet, lawyer, and Executive Director of the nonprofit Freedom Reads-for a lecture celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reginald Dwayne Betts is the Founder and CEO of Freedom Reads. A poet and lawyer, he is the author of four books. A 2021 MacArthur Fellow, his latest collection of poetry, Felon, was awarded the American Book Award and an NAACP Image Award. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School.

This event is sponsored by the Office of Mayor E. Denise Simmons, the City Manager's Office, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, and MBK Cambridge.

Registration is required.

City of Cambridge's annual Martin Luther King Day Commemoration and Remembrance
Monday, January 20, 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Avenue, in Central Square

All are invited to remember and celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the City of Cambridge's annual Martin Luther King Day Commemoration and Remembrance. Organized by the Cambridge Peace Commission, the Commemoration will take place on Monday, January 20 beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, which is located at 838 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square. This year's program will include greetings from Mayor E. Denise Simmons, original poetry from Jean Dany Joachim, Cambridge Poet Populist 2009-2011, and remarks by Rev. Jeremy Battle.

• 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: Celebration of Dr. King's Life and Work for Peace, Justice, and Transformation
• 12:45-1:45 p.m.: Informal Social hour with coffee, tea, and pastries in the undercroft (basement) at St. Peter's

The City of Cambridge will honor and remember Dr. King and his legacy, as we gather at St. Peter's Episcopal Church to hear members of the Cambridge Community share readings of Dr. King's words calling for peace, justice, and transformation, as well as musical contributions from local choirs and original poetry from Jean Dany Joachim, Cambridges former Poet Populist.

The program is free, open to all, and wheelchair accessible. More information is available at www.cambridgema.gov/peacecommission.

15th Annual Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning
Monday, January 20, 2-5 p.m.
Welcome Gathering at Central Square Church - 2 p.m.
Hands-on Service and Learning Projects - 2:30-5 p.m.
Locations: Central Square, Cambridge City Hall, Cambridge Senior Center
For Groups: Cambridge YWCA and Central Square Church

Join MHH365, My Brother's Keeper Cambridge, YWCA Cambridge, Central Square Church, Central Square BID, the City of Cambridge Arts, and others, in lending a helping hand in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of service.

For 14 years volunteers have been coming together on MLK DAY to provide critical necessities to people served by more than 70 organizations in Cambridge and surrounding towns. In 2024, more than 1,250 volunteers lent their helping hands during the Cambridge MLK Day of Service. The annual goal is to create an experience that brings the community together for the sole purpose of caring for our neighbors.

The MLK Day celebration will start with a welcoming gathering at the Central Square Church where Rev. Martin Luther King spoke in 1960. Come solo, with your friends, family, or an organized group. When you register, there is an option to sign up a group of 10 or more.

REGISTER HERE!

After the welcome gathering, participants will walk to one of four locations for hands-on service projects. We will be creating blankets, scarves, and Valentines, as well as sorting clothing, books and food - all by volunteers, young and old across the City!

Don't come empty-handed! Donations of groceries, clothing, and books are appreciated enormously. The best donations are given with the recipients in mind. Area shelters are hoping for gently used or new winter clothing, winter socks, gloves, hats, new underwear for every age, and warm winter outerwear for children.

Visit The 2025 Cambridge MLK Day of Service - Many Helping Hands 365 to learn more.

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