MLK JR DAY AT THE WRIGHT – ALL DAY FREE EVENTS at The Wright Museum of African American History – Detroit, MI

WE WHO BELIEVE IN FREEDOM

The theme of this year’s MLK Day at The Wright, “We Who Believe in Freedom” explores and honors Dr. King’s commitment to justice, equality, and peace, The day features a series of ticketed and free events that provide activities for every age. As we commemorate Dr. King’s contributions, we’ll embrace our shared responsibility to promote justice and equality, and reaffirm our collective commitment to carrying forward his legacy. Don’t miss out on this awesome day! The Wright’s Exhibitions are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at normal admission prices (visit thewright.org for more information and ticket purchase).

Join us for a Full Day of FREE Events and Programs

From dynamic conversations with activists and community leaders to film screenings, storytelling to historical reenactments, painting workshops to hustle dancing and more, here are the ways we’re reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy in 2026!

MLK JR DAY AT THE WRIGHT – ALL DAY FREE EVENTS

ART AS A BRIDGE: HEALING AND UNTIY WORKSHOP

Guided Art Activity: Participants engage in a calming arts and crafts to foster mindfulness and connection, focusing on grounding and healing through collaborative creativity.

Group Reflection and Dialogue: Each session concludes with a shared discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their artistic process and explore how creative expression can promote unity and transformation. No Registration Required.

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Latimer Cafe
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Latimer Cafe
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Latimer Cafe

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FILM SCREENING AND TALK BACK

Film: Eyes on the Prize – The Time Has Come (1965-1965)

Special Guest: Judy Richardson, civil rights activist and documentary filmmaker

Explores the rise of Black Power and the shift within the Civil Rights Movement from nonviolent protest to demands for political and economic self-determination, highlighting Malcolm X’s influence, new leadership, and the growing call for empowerment and control over Black communities’ futures. Registration Required

• 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: General Motors Theater

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READ FOR JUSTICE: MLK FAMILY STORYTELLING CELEBRATION

Registration Required. Please sign up for only one session.

• Session 1 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Orientation Theater
• Session 2 | 2:10 PM – 3:10 PM: Orientation Theater
• Session 3 | 4:20 PM – 5:20 PM: Orientation Theater

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STEP INTO THE STORY: INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL REENACTMENT

Guests sign up for a family-friendly reenactment of a historical civil rights event. Participants rehearse briefly alongside professional actors from Detroit’s theatrical community before taking the stage. Registration Required. Please sign up for only one session.

Session 1 | 1:05 PM – 2:05 PM: Orientation Theater

Session 2 | 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM: Orientation Theater

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HUSTLE FOR HISTORY

Hustle ForHistory is a lively MLK JR. Day program that celebrates the power of movement, music, and community. This experience highlights how Black dance traditions carry stories of resilience, unity, and freedom that echo Dr. King’s vision. Through interactive moments and joyful expression, participants explore how culture has always been a force for connection, hope, and collective action. No Registration Required.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wright Community Room

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SOUL OF THE DREAM: A NIGHT HONORING MLK

Soul of the Dream is not a concert or play alone. It is a gathering of our people in the spirit of resistance and joy. Detroit’s poets and emcees will testify, a choir will lift the roof with sound, and elders and youth will speak across generations. The evening will close not with applause but with a love letter to the City, the Wright, and Dr. King designed to stir the spirit and strengthen the audacious will of Detroit’s community. Registration Required.

• 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Mix & Mingle-Cash Bar: Rotunda
• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Soul of a Dream Program: General Motors Theater

Join us for our MLK JR. Prayer Breakfast featuring a conversation of unity with daughters of Malcolm X; Inspirational Invocation from Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz; and Keynote Address by Ambassador A. Shabazz. For Information and Tickets click this link:

https://TWMLKPRAYERBREAKFAST.eventbrite.com

Please visit thewright.org for more information regarding our exhibits, future programs/events, and other MLK Day events held at The Wright.