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Hi District 21 Residents,
Next Monday, January 19, we honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we move through difficult times in our country and around the world, his legacy reminds us to stay strong, to face adversity with courage, and to stand up for what is right without violence.
To ground myself in his commitment to justice, freedom, and love, I recently reread the Letter from Birmingham Jail. Dr. King’s words speak not only to his time, but to ours. They remind us that justice and peace are not passive ideals – they demand courage, care, and continued action from each of us.
No matter where we may land on the issues that polarize our nation, Dr. King’s leadership was rooted in love. In his letter, he asked: “So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love?”
Along with the activities listed below for this weekend, I encourage you to take a moment to read his letter ( link to "Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]"). It is a meaningful way to honor his dedication to peace and justice.
When we lead with respect, compassion, and love for one another, District 21 carries forward Dr. King’s call for justice and peace – and becomes stronger in the process.
Sincerely,
Betsy Ruhe
 Friday, January 16
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MLK Shabbat
7:00 p.m. – A special Shabbat service honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy, featuring a concert by Gregory Rahming, Jennifer Diamond, and Shir Chadash.
Where: The Temple (5101 US-42)
Saturday, January 17
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40th Archdiocese of Louisville Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
10:00 a.m. – A prayer and praise service centered on the theme “Peace and Justice,” with scripture, reflections, and music.
Where: Cathedral of the Assumption (433 S. Fifth St.)
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast
9:00–11:30 a.m. – A formal breakfast honoring Dr. King’s impact on civil rights, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems.
Where: Galt House Hotel (140 N. Fourth St.)
Sunday, January 18
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Keepers of the Dream: Beyond the Dream
5:00 p.m. (Community Festival 3:00–5:00 p.m.) – A major community celebration including a short theatrical production, live performances, visual art, and the presentation of the Freedom Award and Living the Vision Awards.
Where: Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts – Whitney Hall (501 W. Main St.)
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MLK Weekend Day Party
5:00–10:00 p.m. – A social celebration with games, music, dancing, and drink specials.
Where: Tavern on Fourth (4th Street Live!)
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Martin Luther King Day Variety Showcase
6:00–11:00 p.m. – An evening of live comedy, spoken word, and jazz; continues with a free-pass day on Monday.
Where: The Bay Cigar Lounge
Monday, January 19 (MLK Day)
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MLK Hope Breakfast: Faith, Leadership, Service
8:00 a.m.–Noon – A fundraising breakfast supporting scholarships and community programs, featuring civic, education, and faith leaders.
Where: Omni Louisville Hotel (400 S. 2nd St.)
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54th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Motorcade
Line-up 9:30 a.m.; departs 10:30 a.m. – A commemorative motorcade beginning at 28th & Broadway and ending at King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church.
Where: King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church (1620 Anderson St.)
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Burnett Avenue Baptist Church MLK Day Celebration
Noon–4:30 p.m. – A teen-focused summit titled “The Great Rewiring of Childhood,” with performances, speeches, and a student debate.
Where: Burnett Avenue Baptist Church (800 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.)
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Corydon Capitol State Historic Site – Free Admission
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. – Free public access in honor of MLK Day.
Where: Corydon Capitol State Historic Site (Corydon, IN)
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Muhammad Ali Center Community Free Day
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. – Free museum admission, multiple screenings of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and a noon youth leadership panel.
Where: Muhammad Ali Center (144 N. Sixth St.)
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MLK Day of Service (University of Louisville)
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – A campus-wide volunteer day connecting students with local service projects.
Where: University of Louisville – Student Activities Center (2100 S. Floyd St.)
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Christ Church United Methodist
1:00 p.m. – A worship service themed “Building the Beloved Community of Love and Unity.”
Where: Middletown United Methodist Church (11902 Old Shelbyville Rd.)
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