When President Bill Clinton in 1994 signed the King Holiday and Service Act, he and others urged people to make the holiday celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., “A day On, not a day Off.”
In other words, people should use that day – and even the weekend before it – as a time of service, not just another vacation day.
So what are some things to do?
Service and thoughtfulness
We have a list of events, but first, here are some ideas about other things to do in providing service to others.
Martin Luther King Day is the only federal holiday that also is an official national day of service.
National leaders, and those who follow most closely in the Civil Rights footsteps of the slain Dr. King, encourage people to make Monday a time to serve others, to learn about his legacy, and reflect on how to make the world a better place.
In Cincinnati, the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition sees MLK Day events themselves as a day on. After all, it’s when the organization’s year of planning for Cincinnati's commemorative events comes to fruition, Martha Viehmann of the coalition says.
Some MLK Day events
Here are some MLK Day events in Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indiana:
Cincinnati
2025 MLK Jr. Day March and Program
10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Downtown)
Free Entry
The annual MLK Jr. Day Freedom March. The march begins at the Freedom Center and concludes in Washington Park. The celebration continues in Music Hall with music and keynote speaker Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Professor of History at Ohio State University.
MLK Day Community Clean-Up
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Great Parks Nature Center (Roselawn)
Free Entry
Meet at Great Park’s Nature Center at the Summit for our 3nd annual Martin Luther King Community Cleanup around Roselawn! After the cleanup, volunteers will meet back at The Summit Center for open house-style programming and light refreshments to celebrate your hard work and the community! Do some service for MLK Day.
Fifth-Third Community Day
11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Downtown)
Free Entry
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offers plenty of free MLK Day programming. Guests will receive free admission and plenty of activities. Families can choose from story times, musical performances, self-guided tours, art activities, and more. Make sure to stop by the annual MLK blood drive as well.
Annual MLK Day Blood Drive
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Downtown)
Free Entry
Please participate in service for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and donate blood. This year’s blood drive is at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Make sure to sign up for an appointment to donate. Donations will be accepted all of January for Blood Donor Awareness Month.
3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Church of the Resurrection (Deer Park)
Free Entry
Enjoy a keynote speech by Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, vice mayor of the City of Cincinnati. Curtis Fuller, Hall of Fame broadcast journalist, retired news anchor, and reporter at WLWT will emcee. This year's theme is "Let the Light Rise in the Darkness."
Not on Monday, but on Tuesday, Jan. 21....
Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing
Tuesday, January 21
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Greater Cincinnati Foundation (Downtown)
Free Entry
The Cincinnati National Day of Racial Healing brings leaders together from communities across the Greater Cincinnati Area and worldwide, from diverse backgrounds and identities, to build relationships and work toward transformation. The one-day event is an opportunity to unite ALL people in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable city. The sessions offer spaces to acknowledge truths and collaborate to create meaningful change.
Louisville
11th Annual MLK Hope Breakfast: Faith, Leadership, Service
Monday, January 20th
8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
The Omni Hotel, 400 S. 2nd St.
The Alpha Lambda Education Foundation’s 11th Annual Hope Breakfast honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a focus on raising funds for scholarships, community outreach, and mentorship programs. Featured speakers include Gerina Whethers, Corenza Towsend, and Rev. Frank Smith, with Caray Grace serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Muhammad Ali Center Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day with Free Admission
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
Muhammad Ali Center celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day with 'Community Free Day' free admission to the museum. Sponsored by Passport by Molina Health. At noon, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students will host its annual “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion. "I Have a Dream" screenings at 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
MLK Day of Service
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
University of Louisville Student Activities Center, 2100 S. Floyd St.
The University of Louisville will host a day of service to honor King's legacy and serve the community. The largest campus-wide service events of the year allow students to connect with each other, the UofL community, and the larger Louisville community.
Indianapolis
Indiana Historical Society Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
11 a.m.- 3p.m.
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
On MLK Day, the Indiana Historical Society offers free admission and a range of interactive activities to deeply honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Guests can design charity bags for those in need, contribute to a community mural, experience Dr. King’s world-changing speeches in the theater, and reflect on the past and future through the interactive Wall of Reflection.
Free Admission at Indianapolis Zoo
9 a.m - 4 p.m.
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 Washington St.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Indianapolis Zoo offers free admission and parking, inviting guests to enjoy a special visit while supporting the community through donations benefitting Gleaners Food Bank. Visitors can see a variety of animals, explore indoor exhibits, and contribute to a meaningful cause, continuing the Zoo's commitment to service and diversity.
We Can Do Better
At ERS, we are committed to the principle that We Can Do Better—a dedication to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging both within our organization and in the communities we serve. Launched in 2020 by President and CEO Laura Lamb following the events of George Floyd’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement, ERS's We Can Do Better initiative focuses on education, allyship, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Through We Can Do Better, we’ve significantly increased BIPOC nurse representation to nearly 60%, far surpassing the national average, and reduced turnover among underrepresented employees, fostering a culture of inclusion and engagement.
One of the initiative’s proudest achievements is the creation of the Lauren Brown Empowerment Fund, which provides financial support to help disadvantaged employees overcome barriers to success, including tuition, childcare, and housing. Additionally, ERS has established affinity groups for BIPOC employees, women, and young professionals, while earning 15 consecutive years of recognition as a Top Workplace in Cincinnati. As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, we remain committed to building a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Learn more about the Lauren Brown Empowerment Fund, and how you can contribute to strengthening the lives and opportunities of our BIPOC team members.
