Reserve Your Seat at Alexandria’s Free Community Celebration Honoring MLK’s 53rd Birthday
The public is invited to a January 15 gathering with a 5:30 p.m. welcome reception and a 6:30 p.m. community program.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria invites residents of all ages to come together for the 53rd Anniversary Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, themed “Dawn of Justice & Hope.” The free public event will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the historic George Washington Masonic National Memorial, beginning with a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Advance registration is requested at drkingmemorialprogram.org.
Hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Planning Committee, the evening will feature uplifting music, dance, and poetry, along with reflections from a diverse group of clergy, honored guests, and local dignitaries. The program is designed to be inclusive, family-friendly, and accessible to the entire community.
“This celebration is a moment for Alexandria to pause, reflect, and come together,” said a member of the Memorial Planning Committee. “Dr. King’s message of justice and hope remains deeply relevant, and this evening is about honoring that legacy while inspiring positive action in our community today.”
A Tradition Rooted in Alexandria
Alexandria’s annual MLK birthday observance dates back to 1973, when civic leader and activist Alice P. Morgan initiated the city’s first memorial program honoring Dr. King. The effort was endorsed by then-Mayor Charles Beatley, launching the tradition more than a decade before Dr. King’s birthday became a federal holiday.
More than five decades later, the celebration continues to reflect Alexandria’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement, remembrance, and community dialogue.
What to Expect
Guests are encouraged to arrive early for the welcome reception from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m., which will include light fare and birthday cake. The main program, running from 6:30 to 8 p.m., will showcase artistic performances and remarks that highlight the enduring impact of Dr. King’s teachings.
Admission is free, with ample free parking available at the Memorial. Donations are welcome to help offset the cost of the event.
This year’s sponsors include Affordable Signs & Banners, Jen Walker Team, Burke & Herbert Bank, Nautilus Coaching & Consulting, Tara Casagrande Yoga & Mindfulness, and many additional community partners.
How to Participate
Community members, families, students, civic leaders, and organizations are encouraged to attend and be part of this meaningful evening. Advance registration is requested at drkingmemorialprogram.org.
Those interested in volunteering or sponsorship opportunities may email [email protected].
As Alexandria gathers once again to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, the 2026 celebration offers an evening of reflection, inspiration, and shared commitment to the ideals of justice and hope that continue to guide the city forward.
