The third Monday of every January reminds us to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and reflect on his fight for racial equality and civil rights. It’s also a day to give back to our community. Although many in-person events have been cancelled due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate MLK Day.

California African American Museum’s annual MLK Day event is back with a virtual program on Jan. 17. King Day 2022 will feature a King-speech study group and a performance by members of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the largest majority African American orchestra in America.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition presents a virtual celebration with keynote speaker LZ Granderson, a sports and culture columnist with the LA Times. Tune in on Jan. 17 for music by the Linda Alvarez Trio and spoken word by Get Lit: Words Ignite.

Make watercolor peace signs in the Kevin & Chelsea Washington Art Studio at Cayton Children’s Museum in honor of MLK Day. Take your masterpieces home or add them to the Cayton Peace Wall.

The California Botanic Garden honors the legacy of Dr. King with free admission on Jan. 17. Register online to reserve your free general admission tickets and enjoy the Garden all day.

Join Big Sunday for its annual MLK Block Party on Jan. 17. Volunteer to donate, count, sort and fold clothes for people in need and enjoy breakfast with your fellow volunteers. New this year is the Big Sunday MLK Day Marketplace, spotlighting minority-owned businesses.  

If you need more ideas, volunteer action center L.A. Works has rounded up virtual ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Day of Service, from helping LAUSD educators to a Minecraft March on Washington.