Today we are celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here’s how the civil rights leader continues to have a presence in Boston + what you can do to honor his legacy.

How is Dr. King connected to Boston?

Martin Luther King, Jr. earned his PhD in systematic theology from Boston University in 1955.
He lived on Mass Ave. and met Coretta Scott while she was studying at the New England Conservatory of Music.
In 1965, after a speech to the Massachusetts State House, he led a freedom march with 20,000+ people from the South End to Boston Common.

Does Boston have a dedication to Dr. King?

You can find the “Free at Last” sculpture at his alma mater. The tribute, made by Sergio Castillo, is a visual of 50 doves flying up towards the sky.
Another large-scale dedication is in the works and it should be completed by this time next year. “The Embrace” is a 22-ft, three-story memorial to honor Dr. King and Coretta Scott King that will be installed in the Boston Common, at the location of a rally in 1965.

What can I do to celebrate today?

🖥️ Celebration of the Lives and Legacies of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King | 2-3:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Tune into the live stream on boston.gov, bu.edu, and the City of Boston’s cable network to hear from this year’s guest speakers + listen to the musical selections.

🖼️ MFA Open House | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Museum of Fine Arts | Free | Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art + culture. Don’t miss Roxbury-native Ekua Holmes’ “Paper Stories, Layered Dreams,” through Mon., Jan. 24.

💻 One Person, One Vote | 4 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Tune in with Boston Children’s Chorus and local guest speakers for a digital broadcast highlighting the King family's calls for action.

EVENTS

Today

Film Screening: Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary | Mon., Jan. 17 | 1 p.m. | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington St. | $10 | Attend this showing in person or stream it online as part of Belmont World Film’s Family Film Festival. 🎥
Sip & Stitch | Mon., Jan. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Trident Booksellers & Cafe | $20+ | Tickets include a mini embroidery project for the craft social, while watching the Golden Girls + sipping on a special drink called “The Betty White.”

Tuesday

Jacquelyn Mitchard: The Good Son | Tues., Jan. 18 | 7 p.m. | Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St. | Free | Books will be available for purchase at the event. 📚

Wednesday

Pretty Woman — The Musical | Tues., Jan. 18-Sun., Jan. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St. | $21+ | Enjoy this theatrical take on the classic movie — featuring all the iconic characters from the film + an original score.
Chair Yoga | Wed., Jan. 19 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Gentle yoga that can be done on a chair, or standing with a chair used for support.🪑

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE JANUARY EVENTS HERE

NEWS NOTES

Weather

47º | Rain | 100% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:13 a.m.
Set: 4:39 p.m.

Development

The board of the Boston Planning and Development Agency approved ~1 million sqft of projects last week, including a five-building mixed-use project on Dorchester’s waterfront and two life-science labs, with a combined value of over $1.2 billion. (Boston Business Journal)

Announced

Zac Brown Band has added Boston to the “Out In The Middle" Tour with a stop at Fenway Park on July 15. Tickets go on sale Thurs., Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. 🎵

Closed

Today, all Boston Public Library locations will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Check out the online services available instead, including museum passes, technology education, and financial empowerment. 🖥️

Drink

Today would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. To celebrate, raise a Golden Girl cocktail to toast everyone’s favorite Golden Girl, and try one of these drinks from Precinct Kitchen and Bar in honor of the beloved actress. (Boston Chefs)

Sports

Bruins team captain Patrice Bergeron was named an NHL All-Star for a third time. Bergeron also played in back-to-back All Star games in 2015 + 2016. 🏒 (WCVB 5)

Number

1,500+. That’s how many Massachusetts residents will have their student loans forgiven after a $1.85 billion national settlement with Navient. The settlement will forgive $41 million in loans in the Bay State. (WCVB 5)

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Speaking of Betty White — have you heard of the Betty White Challenge? It’s an animal support initiative that has reached all areas of the US. Simply donate to your favorite local animal rescue or shelter in honor of Betty’s birthday.

Here are a few ideas so you’re not left chasing your tail — Animal Rescue League of Boston, MSPCA-Angell, and the Massachusetts Humane Society.

Missed Friday's newsletter? Here's what you need to know about the B together plan.

Today's edition by:

Jessica

BOStoday Team

Editorial: Sara, Jessica, Sarah, Erin

Sales: Rachel

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