MFA to host virtual MLK Jr. Day celebration

Monday's online celebration will feature a host of local performers and featured speakers.

The Museum of Fine Arts will host its 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day community celebration online on Monday, January 18 to commemorate the life and work of Dr. King. The event will be held in partnership with Citizens, which has sponsored the MFA’s annual community celebration for 19 consecutive years.

“Although we are not able to gather in person for our annual MLK Day celebration, we are looking forward to continuing to honor Dr. King’s legacy with a virtual program that will highlight art and community,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director. “Citizens has been a true partner as this event has grown year after year, and we are deeply grateful for their support.”

The celebration will be available to stream on the MFA’s Facebook, YouTube and website beginning at 5 p.m. on January 18. As part of the program, titled “Voices on King,” the Museum has brought together nonprofit, corporate and community leaders to share their personal reflections on the current impact and lasting legacies of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The event will also feature a musical performance by Boston Arts Academy alum Danny Rivera and an original poem by poet Porsha Olayiwola.

“Voices on King” was developed in collaboration with King Boston, a privately funded nonprofit working closely with the City of Boston to create a new memorial and programs about Dr. King and Coretta Scott King and their time and work together in Boston.

Since 2003, Citizens has helped the MFA welcome more than 120,000 visitors on MLK Day to enjoy free performances, tours, talks and art-making activities in the galleries. Leading up to MLK Day, Citizens will offer a virtual photo booth that lets participants place themselves in front of a variety of MFA backgrounds.

“Citizens is proud to once again partner with the MFA on this community celebration that provides a platform to learn, connect with one another and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy,” said Jerry Sargent, President of Citizens, Massachusetts. “During a time that has presented us all with many obstacles, this opportunity to engage and build community is even more critical.”

Additional programming support is provided by The Lowell Institute.


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