Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Pierce County

We will be closed on Monday, January 20th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This is a day to reflect on Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and unity. As advocates for thriving communities, we recognize the significance of commemorating this remarkable leader and the positive changes he inspired.

Join us in celebrating MLK Day 2025 by attending one of the many events taking place throughout Pierce County this weekend designed to honor Dr. King’s legacy and teachings -- as well as those of community members who have continued his work.

Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast

Celebrate at the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast from 8:30 - 10:30 am at the University of Washington-Tacoma in the William W. Phillip Hall. This event not only honors Dr. King’s contributions but also fosters unity, hope, and celebration among UW Tacoma students, faculty, staff, and our vibrant surrounding communities.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring
Honor the legacy of Dr. King by enhancing community green spaces in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring event. Improve the habitat at a local restoration site to help support wildlife, pollinators, and water quality by removing invasive vegetation and caring for native plants. This event will be from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and sites include Deadman’s Pond in Puyallup, Silver Creek in Puyallup, and Whittier Park in Fircrest.

MLK Day of Service
Honor Dr. King and his legacy through service at Point Defiance Park’s MLK Day of Service from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Strengthen the ties to the community while caring for local parks and public spaces. Enhance beauty, visibility, habitat, and safety by working together to remove shrubs, weeds, and other groundcover at important areas near the main Pearl Street entrance.

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
At 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, the Events & Recognition Committee of Tacoma selects individuals or groups that exemplify Dr. King’s teaching and action in community service in this event that honors the community and Dr. King’s legacy. Nominees represent people of all backgrounds who work in pursuit of hope, healing, and sustainable peace. There are also live performances, and inspiring speeches from community members. (Arrive early for a community fair). Held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.

MLK Day of Celebration
Join the City of Federal Way and the Federal Way Diversity Commission on Saturday, 1/18, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s legacy. This free event, themed “The Next Generation of the Dream,” features keynote speaker Evan Cook, a community advocate and founder of Restoring Mindz LLC. The main program runs from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a non-profit networking session from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support the Multi-Service Center.

39th Annual University of Puget Sound Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Join the University of Puget Sound at 7:00 PM in Kilworth Memorial Chapel to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Reverend Dr. Leslie Braxton ’83 will deliver the keynote, “Martin Luther King Jr.: A Model of Moral Leadership in an Immoral Empire.” The event includes the “Keep Living the Dream” Award presentation, followed by a reception. Tickets are free but required; reserve yours online or at the Logger Store. Space is limited.

We really enjoyed reading this article from Habitat for Humanity in Portland and learned some new things around Dr. King’s work to create housing opportunities for Black Americans.

Unfortunately, Black homeownership rates across the country are very similar to where they were when the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. Because of this, organizations like Civic Commons and the work they are doing around the Black Home Initiative remain essential. They have a goal of creating 1,500 new Black households in South King and Pierce County over the next five years. Please read more about their plans by visiting their website and consider making a donation in support of this important work.