Join the National Civil Rights Museum for King Day 2025, focusing on community, unity, and service with free admission sponsored by FedEx.
Courtesy of website
The National Civil Rights Museum will observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, with a daylong celebration focused on the theme “Community Over Chaos,” in honor of Dr. King’s seminal work, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?
Thanks to the generous support of FedEx, admission will be free for all visitors, allowing everyone to join in the day of reflection, unity, and inspiration. According to Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, “King Day is a time to pay tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy and his vision of the Beloved Community.” This year’s celebration, themed “Community Over Chaos,” marks the start of the museum’s yearlong commemoration that will highlight significant anniversaries in civil rights history, such as the 60th anniversary of the Selma March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The success of this event would not be possible without the generous support of presenting sponsor FedEx and contributions from Ford Philanthropy and Dexcom, as well as the continued support from the community.
In addition to extending its hours from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, the museum will offer a variety of programs and activities to inspire hope and collective action. This celebration also includes a day of service, with partnerships with Vitalant and Mid-South Food Bank. Donating blood will grant visitors free admission for up to four people on any day in 2025.
The museum also encourages guests to bring canned goods and non-perishable items to help address hunger in the Mid-South region. Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement Officer, Veda Ajamu, states that
“We are thrilled to revive the vibrant spirit of King Day that our community values. Our collaborations with Vitalant and Mid-South Food Bank demonstrate our commitment to turning Dr. King’s vision into action through service.”
Highlights of King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum include extended hours, a special exhibit on the Southern Heritage Classic, Main Stage performances by local artists sponsored by Ford Philanthropy, and a Community & Family Activity Tent featuring various organizations, children’s activities, and entertainment. An online presentation at 10:00 am will be available for virtual audiences to explore Dr. King’s impact as a leader for peace and justice.
The support of FedEx exemplifies the collective effort advocated by Dr. King, making this celebration accessible to all. Other sponsors and partners, including Ford Philanthropy, Dexcom, Home Depot, and various community organizations, highlight the importance of collaboration in realizing Dr. King’s dream of equality and justice.
For more information on King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum, visit kingday.org and use #KingDay2025 to join the conversation.
About the National Civil Rights Museum
The NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, gives a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present. Since the Museum opened in 1991, millions of visitors from around the world have come, including more than 90,000 student visits annually. The Museum is steadfast in its mission to chronicle the American civil rights movement and tell the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights. It educates and serves as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change.
A Smithsonian Affiliate and an internationally acclaimed cultural institution, the Museum is recognized as a 2019 National Medal Award recipient by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS), the top national honor for museums and libraries. It is a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Top 5% U.S. Museum, USA Today’s Top 10 Best American Iconic Attractions; Top 10 Best Historical Spots in the U.S. by TLC’s Family Travel; Must See by the Age of 15 by Budget Travel and Kids; Top 10, American Treasures by USA Today; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Business Journal.
#KingDay2025, #CommunityOverChaos, #MLKDay, #NationalCivilRightsMuseum
