Next week will hold two very special days. On Monday, the 19th, the country will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On Tuesday, the 20th, the country’s first African-American president (Barack Obama) will be celebrated on Inauguration Day. What an amazing week it will be…celebrating an American dream that is one step closer to being fulfilled! As parents, let’s make sure that the historical significance of next week is not wasted on our children. To help, below are a few NYC area activities that you can do as a family.
-On January 17th, celebrate “Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day” at The Scholastic Store (557 Broadway) at 3pm. There will be themed readings and crafts that will help kids (ages 5+) learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. Participants will also learn more about the election and inauguration day at this free event. For more information, please call (212)343-6166.
-Central Park is also hosting a variety of free events in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On January 18th, there will be “I Have a Dream” Mural-making at Belvedere Castle (Mid-park at 79th Street) from noon to 3pm. Participants will discuss their dreams and create art to represent them at this free event. Artwork will be displayed as part of a collaborative mural that will be hung at the Castle throughout Black History Month. For more information, please call (212)772-0210.
-Barack Obama has called for a national day of service to take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He is asking Americans not only to serve on that one day, but also to make an ongoing commitment of service. On the Allstate-sponsored “Beyond February” site (http://www.beyondfebruary.com/), you can find out how to sign up for various local volunteer activities.
-On January 19th, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 W. 83rd Street) will be open for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be performances for all ages by the Harlem Gospel Choir at 2pm and 3pm for all ages. For kids (ages 5 & older), there will be Harmony Paintings at 11, 12, 2, 3 & 4pm. Participants will listen to excerpts of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and explore paintings of his life as well as make their own related paintings. Both events are free with museum admission. For more information, please call (212)721-1234.
-On January 19th, there will be a “Martin Luther King Jr. Day Special Seneca Village Tour”. It will be held inside the Park at the southeast corner of 85th Street and Central Park West. (Seneca Village was Manhattan’s first known community of African-American property owners.) Call (212)772-0210 for directions.
-Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy the “STRAND FAMILY HOUR EVENT” on January 19th from 3pm to 4pm at 828 Broadway. The bookstore’s staff will read some of their favorite books about Martin Luther King Jr. at this free event. For more information, please call (212)473-1452.