Philadelphia is getting ready to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20 with a bunch of events, activities and volunteer projects. Some began earlier this week and will be held throughout this and next month, like the MLK Jr. Sermon Discussion Group at Mosaic Community Church (123 S. 51st St).

Check out some events and volunteer opportunities in West and Southwest Philly below. Also visit the MLK Day of Service and the University City District websites for more events and volunteer projects in the area.

MLK Day Events at UPenn

• A Community Beautification Project will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will work on service projects at the following sites: Mitchell Weir Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, Antioch Home School Center, and Laura Sims Skate House. Light refreshments will be provided. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the main lobby of Houston Hall (3417 Spruce St) for transportation to locations. 

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change – through January 31st. Go here for more information.

• Dr. Glory Van Scott Presenting Glory: A Life Among Legends at Penn Bookstore (3601 Walnut Street) on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Join renowned dancer, director, and educator Dr. Glory Van Scott as she reads from her new memoir Glory: A Life Among Legends at Penn Bookstore.

Community Day at USciences + Community Health Fair at Mount Zion Baptist Church

Monday, Jan. 20, 1-4 p.m.

University of the Sciences invites families to their campus for health, science, and wellness activities geared toward elementary and middle school-aged students. This free event will be held in the Athletic/Recreation Center near 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue. USciences is also partnering with Genesis Rehab Services for a Community Health Fair at Mount Zion Baptist Church from 1-4 p.m. as part of MLK Day of Service on January 20, 2020. USciences students, faculty, and professionals from Genesis will be on hand to perform various health screenings for community members at the church located at 1411 S 50th St.

Volunteer Opportunities at Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.)

Monday, Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Volunteers will work with Bartram’s Garden staff on seasonal tasks like weeding, cleaning, pruning, and light maintenance. No special experience or skills required. Dress for working outdoors, and if you have them, bring work gloves and a water bottle. Register here.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Impact Day at Paul Robeson High School (4125 Ludlow St.)

Monday, Jan. 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omega Omega Chapter in conjunction with The 1926 Foundation, Incorporated will partner with Paul Robeson High School for Human Services in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Impact Day. This day-long service event will include three student workshops: #CAP – College Application Process, Marine Biology discussion and Vision Boards. In addition, other activities will include school
building painting, refurbishing teacher’s lounge, HBCU and Young Professionals Panel, Spoken Word Poetry Slam Competition, Mini-Resource Fair to highlight the college application process, shoes and eyeglasses collection, and much more! Among the invited distinguished guests will be Mayor James Kenney, Councilman Derek S. Green (At-Large), and Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier (3rd District). There will also be guest speakers: Carlos Bradley, former Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker, and Vernoca Michael, West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance at Paul Robeson House. Community members are invited! *Special guest speakers’ presentations will be held in the auditorium from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Donna Holland, dmarieh1@msn.com or Antoinette Robinson, ahrobinson77@gmail.com

Blue Print of Our Lives Part III: Healing on Purpose: Physical, Emotional, Mental and Financial – at Lucien Blackwell Community Center (47th and Aspen) (updated)

Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Keynote Speaker: Rodney Mobley, an outreach and engagement specialist at NKCDC (New Kensington). Hosted by PHA’s Lucien Blackwell Center and Rose’s Clubhouse. The event includes workshops, resources, 1 on 1 consults, vendors, PEC food cupboard, PEC pop-up lab +more (see the event flyer below).