Monday, January 21st is MLK Day. As we go about our day free of work duties, it is important to reflect on the man behind the holiday. Listed below are three ways in which you can honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and contribution to American history. If you are aware of any other MLK Day events, please contact me and I will gladly add them to this list.

1.Children's Museum MLK Peace Rally

The Children's Museum of Houston will honor Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech by holding a peace rally on Monday, January 21 at noon.

A plethora of activities revolving this pioneer of the Civil Rights movement are scheduled to engage both children and adults. At the Junktion, museum visitors will have a chance to write their very own dream to add to the Dream Wall. Hear a live rendition of the "I have a Dream Speech" after taking a peaceful March through the halls of the museum. And listen to the sounds of the Young Harmonies of Houston. Parents will also have an opportunity to donate blood at this event. And please keep in mind the fact that one pint of your donated blood can save 3 lives. Admission to this event is $5.

1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004

2.MLK Grand Parade

The 19th annual MLK Grande Parade is expected to draw over 300,000 live spectators and may more home viewers. The parade which begins at San Jacinto and Elgin will commence at 10 a.m. and feature 15 floats and over 150 performing groups. Several community leaders will be in attendance as well. The parade typically takes around 2 hours to complete its route.

At 4 p.m., head over to Butler stadium to witness 20 Nationally Acclaimed High School Bands from all over the country as they meet head-to-head for the 12th Annual MLK Battle of the Bands. Beaumont Central High School has won first place for the past two years. Let's see if they will defend their title once again.

Battle of the Bands @ Butler Stadium
13755 S. Main St.
Houston, TX 77035

3. Black Heritage Society "Original" MLK Parade

Join The Black Heritage Society as they dedicate the "Martin Luther King Jr. Statue and Memorial Park" at Houston's MacGregor Park. On January 21, 1978, this organization held Houston's first MLK Jr. parade. This 35th annual parade will take place on Monday, January 21st at Minute Maid Park beginning at 10 a.m. Following the parade, there will be a community festival a few blocks away at Discovery Green Park until 8 p.m. all ages are welcome.

Minute Maid Park
501 Crawford St.
Houston, TX 77002

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney St.
Houston, TX 77010