This Monday, Jan. 20, we are celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Day. To honor his legacy, special events and volunteer opportunities have been scheduled in West Philadelphia by local groups and organizations.

A street renaming and awards ceremony in honor of Dr. King will take place on Monday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 40th and Lancaster, the exact place where he delivered a historic speech on August 3, 1965. More than 10,000 people came to listen to Dr. King speak on that day. To commemorate this event, a historical marker and a mural were unveiled at the intersection of 40th Street and Lancaster and Haverford Avenues in 2010, but this Monday, community members are invited to celebrate the renaming of the triangle to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle. The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. and feature the following speakers:

• Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District)
• Jim Brown, community leader who led the effort to rename the street
• Joe Walker, community leader who has been leading the effort to memorialize this site since 2009
• Community leaders, faith leaders, neighbors

Also, check out these MLK Day events and volunteer opportunities (go here to search for more volunteer opportunities in your area):

MLK Day of Service at Clark Park, Malcolm X Park

Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

UC Green is asking volunteers to join them in either Clark Park (4300 Baltimore Ave) or Malcolm X Park (5100 Pine Street). More volunteers are kindly requested in Malcolm X Park, as more helping hands are needed there. Volunteers will participate in mulching established park trees, using mulch made from your recycled Christmas trees. Register here.

MLK Day of Service at Redeemer Tabernacle Baptist Church + March to 40th and Lancaster

Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., 219 North 52nd St.

This year’s goal is to present local youth with the much needed education for health and mental care, violence, and education. Volunteers normally start out helping with breakfast and arts and craft and stay all day or leave right after the march to 40th street. Volunteers are welcome to join in the march to 40th and Lancaster Ave. to listen to MLK Day of Service speeches, then head to the Rotunda at 40th and Walnut where the youth will perform their talents about Dr. King and issues they have talked about. Sign up here.

MLK Day of Service at West Mill Creek

Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 51st and Parrish

The West Mill Creek Playground is hosting a meaningful Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and they invite you to join them in making a difference. Volunteers are needed to assist with indoor and outdoor cleanup of the playground and to help distribute hats and gloves to those in need. Sign up here.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Candlelight Vigil at Penn

Jan. 20, 7 – 9 p.m., 39th and Walnut

Join the Distinguished Gentlemen of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for a reflective evening starting at Du Bois College House. Walkers will participate in a candlelit procession to 37th and Locust Walk, sharing songs, stories, and quotes from Dr. King, before ending with refreshments at the Penn Women’s Center. Register here.

Teachers & Caregivers Day, Serving Those Who Serve

Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 3857 Lancaster Ave.

La Pearl Beauty Emporium, Stylists Who Care, and Make UR Mark 365 present the 14th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: Caregivers Day – Serving Those Who Serve. Teachers and caregivers are invited to a special day of pampering in honor of their dedication. Register here.