Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 by Museum of American Revolution & Google Doodle
#MuseumoftheAmericanRevolution, #MartinLutherKingJrDay2021; #Jan18; #GoogleDoodle; #InpersonAndVirtualProgramming; #FindingFreedomWebsite; #PhiladelphiaJazzProject
Washington/Canadian-Media: Born in 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed every year across the United States on the third Monday of January which this year falls on Jan 18, near King’s Jan. 15 birthday, to honor the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader, preacher and advocate for nonviolent social change.
Since the mid-1980s, the third Monday in January has been set aside as a day of service and community to pay homage to Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., and to commit ourselves to move forward with the work he began before his life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet in April of 1968.
Located in Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution (MAR), uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.
On Jan 18 MAR observed Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day 2021 on Jan 18 with unsung patriots from the past.
Around the United States MLK day is celebrated every year on the 3rd Monday of Jan, which this year falls on Jan 18.
The life, service, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was honored by the museum over the course of MLK Weekend through many of his speeches and writings powerfully invoking the words and messages of the American Revolution and in speaking out against racism.
The visitors were able to discover the ongoing legacy of the American Revolution and learn what it takes to change the world as the Museum honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Day of Service.
During the tour of the museum various household objects that may have been used by Ona Judge, a woman enslaved to the family of George Washington were displayed.
Judge’s story is one of several that are being highlighted by the museum in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Monday, January 18.
Both in-person and virtual programming were offered by the museum throughout this weekend, to share the perspectives of unsung revolutionaries from the past.
Educators on the standby presented visitors with pop-up talks about the enslaved people of African descent in Virginia. Visitors also learned about figures like Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman, the first enslaved African-American to emerge victorious from a judicial freedom suit in Massachusetts.
The museum provided another way to offer some informal learning for not only students, who are unable to go to their classrooms but also for adults and families.
A special performance by the Philadelphia Jazz Project, dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. was streamed by the museum on Monday morning.
In collaboration with the Museum of the American Revolution and PhillyCAM, a remarkable virtual experience was developed by the Philadelphia Jazz Project pulling together video footage from the two concerts as well as commentary from the performers and other contributors to depict Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring impact on the struggle for human rights and ongoing American Revolution.
The We Shall: A Lyrical MLK Celebration performances utilize brief excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches and sermons as inspiration and a combination of gospel, jazz, and blues music to explore the inner workings of a mind and body in struggle.
Dr. Luther King powerfully invoked the words and messages of the American Revolution in his calls for civil and economic rights while speaking out against racism throughout many of his speeches and writings.
Virtual programming was provided for those who are unable to attend in-person by the Museum of the American Revolution.
The digital ‘Finding Freedom’, with its interactive feature and equipped with a selection of primary sources exhibit allows visitors to explore history and the stories of African American men and women in war-torn Virginia on their computer screens, told through research-based first-person narratives.
This year, Google is joining in the celebration with a homepage Doodle depicting the past and present fights against racial injustice.
Today’s Google Doodle depicting the past and present effect of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and actions was created by Pittsburgh-based guest illustrator Noa Denmon.
On the left side, a monochromatic view of adults and children alike are seen listening to a speech meant to be depicting Dr. King.
Meanwhile, a group of painters collaborating on a colorful mural that represents unity can be seen on the right side of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Doodle.
All of the painters are wearing face masks to appropriately depict our current times.
