Monday, Jan. 15, isn't just a day off school and work — it's an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

While the University of Delaware offices are closed and many UD students are home for winter break, several events are scheduled around the state to honor the life of Dr. King. 

Attend a breakfast and volunteer

Who: Delaware State Bar Association.

What: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and Statewide Day of Service.

When: Monday, Jan. 15.

Where: Chase Center on the Riverfront (815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE).

How much: Breakfast is $45.

Know this: The breakfast will include a keynote by Desmond Meade, a best-selling author, social justice activist and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Community members may register to attend the breakfast or to assist in a number of service projects. DSBA is also organizing a “court care bag” drive. 

More info: More information and registration can be found on DSBA’s website.

Clean and march

Who: West Side Grows Together.

What: Join West Side Grows Together, Be Ready CDC, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Nature Society, I Am My Sister’s Keeper, MSK Community Center, West End Neighborhood House and the Wilmington Peacekeepers for the 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Clean Up, Peace March, and Celebration — a day of service and demonstration of peace, community strength and call to action. 

When: Monday, Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 1009 Sycamore St. Wilmington, DE 19805.

How much: Free.

Know this: Attendees will also have the opportunity to take advantage of community resources, live music, free food, opportunities for further advocacy, family friendly activities and a small business marketplace.

More info: More information and registration details can be found online.

Make an impact through political activism

Who: YWCA Delaware.

What: MLK Day of Action.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: First Unitarian Church of Wilmington (730 Halstead Rd. Wilmington, DE 19803) and virtual.

How much: Free.

Know this: Learn how to make real systemic change in the racial and social justice space and hear from a legislator about how our actions can influence public policy.

More info: Register online.

Clean up a state park

Who: White Clay Creek State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park.

What: State park clean-up.

When: Monday, Jan. 15

White Clay Creek State Park: 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Brandywine Creek State Park: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: White Clay Creek State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park.

Know this: Remove a variety of invasive plants and help restore the natural habitat of Delaware state parks.

More info: More information can be found on the White Clay Creek State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park websites.

Donate a winter coat

Who: Wilmington University.

What: A winter coat drive in honor of MLK Day.

When: Now through Jan. 16.

Where: Various Wilmington University locations.

Know this: Adult coats should be new or gently used. Children’s coats, hats, scarves and gloves should be new only. Donations will be distributed through Community Resource Center in Rehoboth Beach and United Way of Delaware.

More info: Details can be found on Wilmington University’s events calendar.

Attend an interactive musical performance

Who: Delaware Historical Society.

What: The Myth of Time: Reflections on Martin Luther King Jr.

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 1-3 p.m.

Where: The Delaware Historical Society’s Mitchell Center for African American Heritage (504 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE).

How much: Included with museum admission.

Know this: Commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with an impactful and uplifting interactive musical performance by Professor Jeffrey L. Richardson.

More info: More information can be found on the Delaware Historical Society’s website.

Attend a day of service

Who: One Village Alliance. 

What: MLK Day of Service.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: One Village Alliance, The Freedom Center (31 West 31st Street Wilmington, DE).

How much: Free.

Know this: Service projects include painting classrooms, building an outdoor wellness space, organizing a garage and clothing closet, outreach and more.

More info: Register online.

Attend a celebration

Who: House of David Milford DE LLC.

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

Where: Milford Senior Center (111 Park Avenue, Milford, DE).

How much: Free.

Know this: The celebration will include a keynote address by Jalyn Powell, youth activist and founder/CEO of OUTLOUD LLC, as well as musical and poetic tributes.