The DC Lineup for this weekend: Activism with the Women’s March and MLK Day

492

There are lots of opportunities to honor history and to be a part of history in the making this weekend, Jan. 18 to 21. The third annual Women’s March is Saturday, Jan. 19, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on Monday, Jan. 21, making it a long, three-day weekend for many.

The weather will continue to be inclement with high temperatures ranging from 22 to 45 degrees. Friday night will be mostly cloudy. There will be rain and snow on Saturday, clouds and wind on Sunday, and sun on Monday.


  1. Sports: Following an incident in which members of the Maryland-based youth hockey team Metro Maple Leafs stood up for their teammate who endured racist taunts, the Washington Capitals invited the team to a game earlier this week to commend their actions. Start the weekend rooting for the Capitals as they take on the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $64.


  2. Museums: To honor the Women’s March, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is offering a Free Community Weekend, a special edition of its free Community Day, which is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. The museum experienced an overflow of visitors at their Community Day earlier this month during the government shutdown, so plan ahead for long lines. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.


  3. City Winery is among the area establishments participating in this year’s Winter Restaurant Week, which continues through Sunday. (Photo courtesy of City Winery)

    Food & Drink: Stay fueled throughout the weekend with Winter Restaurant Week, which began on Monday and runs through Sunday. Participating restaurants are serving a three-course brunch and lunch for $22 per person, as well as multi-course dinners for $35 per person. Agora, Bresca, City Winery, Doi Moi and many other restaurants are on this year’s list.


  4. Activism: The Women’s March is coming for a third time to cities around the world, though controversy over anti-Semitism has caused sponsors such as the Democratic National Committee, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Human Rights Campaign to withdraw their support this year. Participants in DC will meet on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 14th streets NW), before the march steps off at 11 a.m. from the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street NW. There will be a rally starting at 1 p.m. at Freedom Plaza and a support station there that will have amenities like bathrooms, water, heated areas, medics and a place to locate lost participants. The rally ends at 4 p.m.


  5. Dance: Dance Place presents its annual MLK Day concert on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. The KanKouran West African Dance Company will perform traditional African dancing and drumming. Tickets cost $30 for general admission; $25 for Dance Place members, seniors and artists; and $15 for college students and children under 17. Sunday’s performance includes a deal for families: Each paying adult is eligible for one free ticket for a child 12 and younger. The venue is located at 3225 8th St. NE.


  6. Washington National Cathedral will host its annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday. (Photo by Donovan Marks courtesy of Washington National Cathedral)

    Music and Dance: Washington National Cathedral puts on The Other America: Dr. Martin Luther King Annual Tribute this Sunday at 4 p.m. The performance includes music and dance from artists such as the Howard University Choir, the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, the Cathedral Band and Andile Ndlovu of The Washington Ballet. Cathy Hughes — founder and chair of Urban One Media, the nation’s largest African-American-owned and -operated broadcast company — will also be featured. Admission is free. A limited number of same-day passes will be available at the door, or tune in to the webcast.


  7. Sports: The George Washington University Colonials play the Duquesne Dukes on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St. NW. Tickets start at $10. Die-hard fans can join the Colonials Club for perks such as a pregame reception and a personal film review session with the head coach prior to a home game. Membership is $1,750 per season ticket and supports the Buff & Blue Fund, which provides healthy food, athletic training, sports medicine and academic support to varsity athletes.


  8. Spirituality: Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ will have a worship service honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. The interim minister, Alice B. Greene, and Covenant’s ChristAfrican Theological Institute will explore the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. The church is located at 3845 South Capitol St. The event is organized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday DC Parade Committee.


  9. The 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Peace Walk and Parade will take place Monday. (Photo courtesy of Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday DC Parade Committee)

    Activism: The registration deadline to walk in the 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade has passed, but those interested in viewing the ceremonies can gather in Anacostia on Monday. The day’s events start with a prayer rally from 9 to 10 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2459 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. Staging for the peace walk and parade will start at 11 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Good Hope Road SE. It will begin at noon; proceed through downtown Anacostia; and end around 2 p.m. on the St. Elizabeths East campus at the Gateway Pavilion, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, where a health and community fair will run from noon to 3 p.m.


  10. Nature: Washington Parks & People is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday at Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, 16th and W streets NW, and at Marvin Gaye Park, 601 Division Ave. NE. These family-friendly events bring the community together to clean the parks. Both gatherings are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include indoor activities as well as outdoor cleanups. Those who plan to attend can RVSP by emailing info@washingtonparks.net.

Comments are closed.