As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 approaches, we have been reflecting on the ways in which each of us can work towards racial justice. We strive to learn from history, including the recent history of racial injustice and white supremacy over the past year.
Every year, PUMP compiles local events, service projects, conversations, celebrations, and other opportunities to honor MLK Day here in Pittsburgh. We hope that this can be a resource to help you make a long-term commitment to working towards racial injustice, or to deepen your commitment, throughout the year.
Check out these opportunities and find the ones that speak to you.
Events and Service Opportunities
Thursday, January 14th
- Community Conversation: Police Violence with Repair the World Pittsburgh, 1Hood Media, and World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
Friday, January 15th
- An MLK Celebration: Poetry Unplugged with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
- Shabbat Dinner: Unpacking and Addressing Racism in Education with Repair the World Pittsburgh
Sunday, January 17th
- Processing Trauma with Art Workshop with Repair the World Pittsburgh
- Street Art Agitprops Workshop with DS Kinsel from Boom Concepts with Repair the World Pittsburgh
Monday, January 18th
- MLK DAY Celebration, Living the Legacy with Kelly Strayhorn Theater
- Family Forum for Equality and Kindness with United Way
- Book Drive for Diversity with United Way
- MLK Day Program with 1Hood with Repair the World Pittsburgh Family Service Corps
Wednesday, January 20th
- Action Conversation on Race and Environmental Justice with YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
Friday, January 22nd – Saturday, January 23rd
- 23rd Annual Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit, a multicultural initiative of the Black and White Reunion
Beyond MLK Day
MLK Day is an opportunity for individuals and communities to engage in focused educational and service experiences in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy. But our commitment to racial justice must extend beyond a single day or a singular figure in the civil rights movement. Re-commit yourself to this work by supporting Black-led organizations on the frontlines of advancing racial equity and justice.
Get involved with local Black-led organizations:
- 1Hood Media
- African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania
- African American Leadership Association
- Alliance for Police Accountability
- Amachi Pittsburgh
- Black Girls Equity Alliance (Gwen’s Girls)
- Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP)
- Black Tech Nation
- Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh
- Black, Young, & Educated
- Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR)
- The Kingsley Association
- My Brother’s Keeper
- Manchester Bidwell Corporation
- New Voices for Reproductive Justice
- Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition
- POISE Foundation
- Sankofa Fund of Southwest PA
- Sisters PGH
- Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
- Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh
- YWCA Center for Race & Gender Equity