Communities typically honor the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through tributes and commemorations like community service, volunteering and readings.

Acclaimed journalist and author Wil Haygood delivered a keynote address on Tuesday as part of Bridgewater College’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

MLK Day is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. On this day, Americans are encouraged to observe civic work and community service in honor of King's legacy. Columbus' first MLK Day March was held in 1987, one year after the federal holiday was observed. Since then, the city engages in annual celebrations for the community.

Events in both Weirton and Steubenville celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by reflecting on the life and work of the civil rights icon. In Weirton, those who came to the Dunbar Recreation Center were able to view a radio-style play,

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Ohio Northern University in 1968. One woman remembers the impact the prominent civil rights leader’s words had at the rural northwest Ohio school.

CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio will honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025 with a range of events celebrating his legacy of equality, justice and service. From community discussions to cultural programs and volunteer opportunities, residents across the region can participate in meaningful activities that promote reflection and unity.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, Jan. 20. Groups and organizations are commemorating the civil rights leader with events and activities.

The church is hosting the 38th edition of its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration today at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. This year's theme, which Lloyd said he selected at the beginning of last year, is based on a King quote: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Bitterly cold temperatures have led some central Ohio school districts to cancel classes for Wednesday. For many of these districts, they already had canceled or delayed classes on Tuesday and had Monday off for Martin Luther King Jr.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted speaks at an Ohio Statehouse news conference on Friday after Gov. Mike DeWine, second from left, announced he has appointed the Columbus-area Republican to the U.S. Senate. Anna Staver, cleveland.com

At Columbus' MLK Day event, speakers decried Donald Trump for fermenting hate and called on people to allow MLK "to start speaking through us."