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7 free Martin Luther King Jr. holiday events happening this weekend in New Orleans

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New Orleans honors the 33rd Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with a series of events this weekend. “‘Our theme is ‘Remember, Celebrate, and Act,’” said mayor LaToya Cantrell at a press conference. Whether you want to celebrate with a march or perform community service, here are seven free events you can attend to honor King’s legacy.

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East New Orleans Library

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The East New Orleans Library celebrates Dr. King with a keynote speech by Dr. Deon Haywood, executive director of Women With A Vision, and musical performances by Bamboula 2000. Refreshments will be served. The event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, January 17.

MLK Day of Service in the Lower 9

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A citywide day of service concentrates its efforts on the lower 9th Ward’s Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle. People of all ages will come together to pick up trash, remove invasive plants, stain the observation deck, and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 19. Register here, or text or call (504) 315-5083.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art

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The Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers free admission all day (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Monday, January 21. There will be family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including crafts, a scavenger hunt, live music, and refreshments. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 504 Experience performs. The museum also hosts a book drive for Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners: bring four paperback books and get two free passes to the museum.

MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration

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Urban League President Marc Morial is the keynote speaker at this free event, which includes performances by The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the Dillard University Female Octet. The Commemorative Celebration starts at 9 a.m. Monday, January 21 at the New Orleans Jazz Market and is followed by the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Remembrance March.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Remembrance March

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The City of New Orleans holds a commemoration at New Orleans Jazz Market. At 10 a.m. Monday, January 21 , the Remembrance March kicks off from the New Orleans Jazz Market and ends at A.L Davis Park (2600 LaSalle Street), where it is followed by “Remember, Celebrate, Act”—a MLK Day of Play.

Lafitte Greenway’s MLK Day of Service 2019

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Friends of Lafitte Greenway hosts a clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, January 21. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water to the great lawn at 500 N. Galvez, and prepare to weed out invasive plants.

Paper Monuments’ Framing History

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Public art and public history projects Paper Monuments and Colloquate Design seek volunteers for the Framing History project, which will wheat-paste original Paper Monuments posters in frames and install them citywide. This kid-friendly event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, January 21, and food and coffee are provided.

East New Orleans Library

The East New Orleans Library celebrates Dr. King with a keynote speech by Dr. Deon Haywood, executive director of Women With A Vision, and musical performances by Bamboula 2000. Refreshments will be served. The event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, January 17.

MLK Day of Service in the Lower 9

A citywide day of service concentrates its efforts on the lower 9th Ward’s Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle. People of all ages will come together to pick up trash, remove invasive plants, stain the observation deck, and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 19. Register here, or text or call (504) 315-5083.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers free admission all day (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Monday, January 21. There will be family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including crafts, a scavenger hunt, live music, and refreshments. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 504 Experience performs. The museum also hosts a book drive for Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners: bring four paperback books and get two free passes to the museum.

MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration

Urban League President Marc Morial is the keynote speaker at this free event, which includes performances by The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the Dillard University Female Octet. The Commemorative Celebration starts at 9 a.m. Monday, January 21 at the New Orleans Jazz Market and is followed by the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Remembrance March.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Remembrance March

The City of New Orleans holds a commemoration at New Orleans Jazz Market. At 10 a.m. Monday, January 21 , the Remembrance March kicks off from the New Orleans Jazz Market and ends at A.L Davis Park (2600 LaSalle Street), where it is followed by “Remember, Celebrate, Act”—a MLK Day of Play.

Lafitte Greenway’s MLK Day of Service 2019

Friends of Lafitte Greenway hosts a clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, January 21. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water to the great lawn at 500 N. Galvez, and prepare to weed out invasive plants.

Paper Monuments’ Framing History

Public art and public history projects Paper Monuments and Colloquate Design seek volunteers for the Framing History project, which will wheat-paste original Paper Monuments posters in frames and install them citywide. This kid-friendly event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, January 21, and food and coffee are provided.