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Best Ways To Commemorate MLK Jr. Day In The Bay Area

The statue of Martin Luther King Jr. (credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since 1983, the nation celebrates his birthday, his life and his legacy as a federal holiday on the third Monday of the year. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter," said King. Typically marked as a day of service and volunteerism, the San Francisco Bay Area also celebrates MLK Jr. Day on Jan. 18, 2016 in the following ways.

MLK 2016 "The Reality of the Dream"
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Yerba Buena Gardens
701 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 691-6212
www.norcalmlkfoundation.org
Dates: Jan. 15-18, 2016

NorcalMLK will host three days of free events and activities, both indoor and outdoor, in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The main program features films, talks, faith gatherings, a music festival and health event on the lawn, children's programs and more. Frequent updates are posted to Twitter @norcalmlk, a charitable organization dedicated to extending Dr. King's vision throughout our Northern California and Bay Area communities.

Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park, San Francisco (credit: Laurie Jo Miller Farr)

MLK March of Freedom and Parade
Caltrain Station
700 King Street at 4th St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 691-6212
www.norcalmlkfoundation.org
Date: Jan. 18, 2016

As per usual, thousands gather in recognition of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 with a 1.5-mile march to commemorate King's historic marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Early arrival for the step off from the Caltrain Station at 11 a.m. is recommended for those who wish to join the route ending at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Yerba Buena Gardens. The crossing of Lefty O'Doul Bridge and a pause at WIllie Mays Plaza by AT&T Park represent the milestone crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

Black Comix Arts Festival
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 857-0595
www.bcaf.norcalmlkfoundation.org 
Dates: Jan. 17-18, 2016

Named by USA Today as one of the nation's 10 best arts festivals, BCAF2016 is a two-day event celebrating the contribution of creative African Americans to the world of comic arts. A grand expo, special guests, film screenings, artist panels and conversations, kids events and cosplay are among the activities on the calendar at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Some events take place at the San Francisco Main Library (100 Larkin St.) and others nearby at the Museum of the African Diaspora (685 Mission St.). Most events are free and open to the public.

Presidio of San Francisco (credit: Laurie Jo Miller Farr)

Special Volunteer Day and National Parks Free Entrance Day
Presidio of San Francisco
(415 ) 561-5332
www.presidio.gov/volunteer
Date: Jan. 18, 2016

Enjoy the outdoors and keep San Francisco's parks beautiful on a day off. A family-friendly event will take place, featuring a habitat, forest and gardens. All ages are welcome and no experience is required for special volunteer days in the Presidio. Details about the activities, what to wear and where to meet is posted online closer to the date. All tools and materials will be provided. Interested groups and individuals should register and can also get in touch with the volunteer coordinator via email at volunteer@presidiotrust.gov.

While the Presidio is always free, all National Park that charge admission are free on MLK Day. The cruise to Alcatraz Island is an official concessioner, so fees will still apply. Muir Woods, normally $10 for adults, has free entry on Jan. 18, 2016.

African American Museum & Library at Oakland
659 14th St.
Oakland, CA  94612
(510) 637-0200
www.oaklandlibrary.org
Date: Jan. 16, 2016

With a lending and research library downstairs and a museum upstairs, have you come across this small museum in a 1902 Carnegie building near the corner of Martin Luther King Way? The archives for California's African American history house everything from journals of early influential African Americans to a large Black Panther collection. Known for the annual Festival of Black Dolls (in November), there's more to explore, occasional gospel music and changing exhibits. At the Main Library (125 14th St.) several blocks away, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra is performing a music plus one concert at 1:30 p.m. and at 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2016.

Laurie Jo Miller Farr loves walkable cities. A tourism industry professional and transplanted New Yorker by way of half-a-lifetime in London, she's writing about the best of the bay and beyond for Bay City Guide, AXS, Examiner and more. Examiner.com.


 

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