MLK Day is a federal holiday honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday in January. This year, it falls on his birthday, Jan. 15.

As an advocate for equality, King spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement. He is honored and celebrated across the nation after a campaign for a federal holiday in his honor began soon after his assassination in 1968.

President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983. In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, which transformed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into a national day dedicated to volunteer service in honor of his legacy.

This year is no different. Here are some events happening across SoCal:

39th annual Kingdom Day Parade

The parade, which makes its way through Baldwin Hills starting at 10 a.m. and ends at Leimert Park, is regarded as the “world’s largest and longest running life celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King." City officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, are known to make an appearance along the route. This year’s theme is “Can’t stop, won’t stop, going to the promised land.” The parade ends with a festival that includes music and food.

MLK Volunteer Festival 2024

LA Works will continue its tradition of honoring King’s legacy by organizing its annual festival at the Coliseum in Exposition Park, where King addressed 15,000 Angelenos in 1964 on the issues of race relations and human dignity. According to its website, the event will feature hands-on activities for participants to address needs in the areas of homelessness, education equity, food insecurity and more. Participants can also learn about ways to support and advocate for the community year-round and listen to speakers. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Those wanting to participate will have to sign up to receive a ticket.

36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration

On Saturday, the city of Long Beach will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration starting at 10 a.m. to celebrate the diversity of the city. It also aims to honor and keep alive King’s values. The 2024 festivities will begin at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by the park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 1950 Lemon Ave. The park celebration will include a main stage with performances, vendors, information booths and more.

"Documenting a Movement: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights"

The Academy Museum will pay tribute to King’s legacy by showcasing two films about the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The first is a historic short film “The March” by filmmaker James Blue. The film documents the march that culminated with King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The feature film “The Bus” by activist filmmaker Haskell Wexler shows the cross-country journey of a group of activist who boarded a bus in San Francisco to Washington, D.C. to join the march.

There will be a discussion following the films with UCLA scholar Ellen Scott, local activist Ben Caldwell and two emerging filmmakers. Tickets for adults cost $10 and $5 for students.

Lift Every Voice by ICYOLA

At 7 p.m. Saturday, the Inner City Youth Orchestra LA will perform at the Skirball Cultural Center in honor of King’s legacy. It will include a performance of “The Hill We Climb,” the 2021 Inauguration Day poem by Amanda Gorman. The concert is free to attend, but reservations are required. ICYOLA was founded in 2009 to give inner-city youth access to music education.