The Walk to Freedom ended at the TCF Center -- then named Cobo Arena -- where Dr. King delivered a powerful speech. It was a precursor to his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech two months later in Washington.

In this special video presentation from New Detroit, a group of local voices discuss the way forward on race relations, and share some of their experiences with racism.

Speakers for the virtual celebration include Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Burton-Harris, WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca and students from the college.

DETROIT – Monday is the 35th official Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For many, MLK Day is just another day off -- a day to relax, a day to do things, do some community service. For one couple, the day means so much more to them because they were there the day King came to Detroit and debuted his original “I Have a Dream” speech on June 23, 1963. Somewhere in that crowd was a 22-year-old warrior for Civil Rights named Dorothy Dewberry-Aldridge. She and her husband, Dan Aldridge, have spent more than 60 years fighting for Civil Rights, equality and social justice.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday also marks the 26th anniversary of the Day of Service, honoring the Civil Rights leader’s legacy. Despite COVID restrictions, some students in Southfield honored that commitment by leading by example. At MacArthur K-8 University Academy, community service is the center of everything the students do. Students and teachers work together on community service projects all year round, but on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, those service projects are highlighted. Observed every year on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national Day of Service to encourage everyone to volunteer.

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium on November 5, 1962. (Photo courtesy: U-M Bentley Historical Library)ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan will be holding its annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium on Monday morning and this year, the Keynote Memorial Lecture will be delivered by two speakers. Malik Yakini, founder and executive director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (Photo: Joi Ito)Yakini is the co-founder and executive director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network. The event is sponsored by the University of Michigan Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Monday, City of Ann Arbor offices will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Closures will include Larcom City Hall customer service center and 15th Judicial District Court. Instead of meeting that Monday, Ann Arbor City Council will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 19, according to a notice from the city. Monday is also the last day for residents to dispose of undecorated Christmas trees for free at four drop-off locations around Ann Arbor. Read: Here’s how you can volunteer with Ann Arbor Parks in February