Marilyn Moore

Local Events Honoring the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1961 and 1964, thousands of Connecticut residents gathered at the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport to listen to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who brought hope and healing to millions of Americas as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

This Monday, January 15, we continue to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, in honor of his life and legacy, and commemorate the timeless values taught through his example; service to the community, courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, and humility.

Since first observed as national holiday in 1986, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated in many different ways in communities throughout the country. Here in Bridgeport, you can honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by attending one these community events.

Bridgeport Has a Dream
Support Connect US for their “Bridgeport Has a Dream” event, featuring letters, poems, raps, and songs will be presented in honor of Dr. King by city youth. The free event will be held at the Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave. on Monday at 1:30 p.m.

Service at Mt. Aery Baptist Church
A “Bridgeport Black Pride” church service lead by Pastor Anthony L. Bennett, featuring guest preacher Gregory J. Jackson, will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Mt. Aery Baptist Church, 73 Frank St., Bridgeport.

UB’s MLK Day of Service
The University of Bridgeport is hosting their annual Day of Service in honor of Dr. King on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteer check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Arnold Bernhard Arts & Humanities Center.

Discovery Museum MLK Celebration
The Discovery Museum’s yearly celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. brings STEM learning fun to children and families in the Bridgeport community and beyond. Visit the museum on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950’s until his death by assassination in 1968. Through his activism and inspirational speeches he played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African-American citizens, as well as the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, among several other honors. He was assassinated in April 1968, and continues to be remembered as one of the most influential and inspirational African-American leaders in history.