Oakland will mark Martin Luther King Day on Monday with a number of events that celebrate his legacy. The federal holiday creates a three-day weekend, but his legacy is honored year-round; schools, a library, parks and a 741-acre shoreline park all bear his name.
Across the country, there are more 500 streets named after the civil rights leader Jr. In Oakland, Martin Luther King Jr. Way — previously known as Grove Street — begins just southwest of the Embarcadero and stretches into North Berkeley.
As reported by SF Gate, Grove once served as a "de facto color line" in the 1950s and '60s, with minorities living and purchasing property on one side, and whites occupying the other.
A stroll along the six miles of this historic Oakland street is one way to mark MLK Day; alternatively, we've rounded up several events for this upcoming weekend.
In the Name of Love Musical Tribute
Head to the Oakland Scottish Rite Center (1547 Lakeside Dr.) on Sunday for a night of music. Currently in its 15th season, In the Name of Love is "Oakland’s only non-denominational musical tribute to Dr. King."
The event will feature locally and internationally known artists and a final showcase from the Living Jazz Children's project. An Oakland citizen will also be honored with the “Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Film Festival
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Film Festival will be held at the African American Museum & Library (659 14th St.) at 11:00 am.
Taking place inside the gallery, the event will include four films: Black Americans Since MLK: And Still I Rise, The African American: Many Rivers to Cross, The Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil RIghts, and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.
East Bay Regional MLK Day of Service
The East Bay Regional Park District needs volunteers to assist with the restoration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Grove. Adults and youths (accompanied by chaperones) are welcomed to participate with invasive plant removal and clean-up efforts to protect the wildlife and surrounding natural habitat. Registration is required. For more information, please email [email protected].
Here's a look at what else is going on around Oakland this weekend:
Editor's Picks:
Do you have an event to promote? List it for free on the Hoodline events calendar to reach a wide audience inside (and outside) your neighborhood. Submit your event details and we may even feature it here next week.
