Join the Reginald F.  Lewis Museum to celebrate King Day 2026 through the eyes of youth activists from the Civil Rights Movement to present day social movements. Program activities will include provoking conversations, film screenings, musical performances and a host of family fun filled activities. These programs are inspired by Kid Zone, the museum’s newest interactive permanent exhibit solely dedicated to children and families. 

On this tour, learn about the legacy of African Americans on the railroad. From the laying of the first tracks and the B&O’s connection to the Underground Railroad, through the Civil War Era and into the Civil Rights Movement, the African American experience has been intertwined with the history of the railroad in a variety of ways. 

Come out to support Thread and Digital Harbor High School for our upcoming Service Day!  During the service day, they will be beautifying the bathrooms with paint, decals as well as hygiene and reproductive materials. Spend your long weekend lending your time, creative expertise and resources in support of our young people.

Join in a free celebration honoring one of history's greatest visionaries, Martin Luther King Jr. AVAM is open and free from 10:00AM-5:00PM!

10AM - noon Peace Birds Art Workshop JRVC 3rd floor

11AM - noon Divine Anointing Choir Performs JRVC 1st floo
Noon - 1PM A City Dream Reading and Interactive Workshop with Author B. Sharise Moore JRVC 3rd floor

“Sometimes, a neighborhood feels forgotten.

But in the vibrant imagination of one young girl, there are dreams of a different city.

Young superstars, Ebban & Ephraim Dorsey celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in this multi-generational concert, as they perform classics and anthems including “Lift Every Voice & Sing!” Ebban Dorsey, 21-year-old alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, is from Baltimore, Maryland and has gained a lot of experience playing Jazz. She was a member of NYO Jazz 2020 as well as NYO Jazz 2021 and recorded an album with the 2021 Jazz band. Ephraim Dorsey, 22-year-old tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, is from Baltimore, Maryland and has gained a lot of experience playing Jazz having performed with Carl Grubbs, Gary Bartz and more. He was a member of NYO Jazz 2021 and recorded an album with the 2021 Jazz Band.

The Walters annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration takes place Saturday, January 17 from 3–4:30 p.m., and the lineup is stacked. Curated by Unique Robinson, you'll see performances by Ray Winder, multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer/songwriter; Lady Brion, Maryland Poet Laureate and founder of The Black Arts District; Davon Fleming, singer/songwriter, semi-finalist on The Voice, and Unique, a poet/MC, professor, and community educator.

African American quilting traditions- rooted in storytelling, artistry, and community- continue the legacy of the pursuit of freedom from the Underground Railroad to this day.   

Discover the artistry and community traditions of African American quilting in Baltimore and take part in a conversation about the cultural memory of “quilt codes” on the Underground Railroad. While its historical origins remain debated, quilting regardless is a story rich in meaning and expressions of freedom in today’s African American communities. 

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with Baltimore’s annual parade. Line the streets of MLK Blvd and watch the parade including marching bands, city groups, and more.

This year’s theme is “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers”.