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How Charlotte is Celebrating MLK’s Legacy This Year

By Kristin Keen

As the Queen City gears up to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 15, 2024, the city is abuzz with a myriad of events that honor his timeless message of equality, justice, and unity. This year’s commemoration promises an array of local activities and opportunities for residents to actively engage in the spirit of Rev. Dr. King’s teachings. Think inspirational speeches, educational forums, and artistic performances that seek to explore the relevance of his dream in today’s context and foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for equality.

Looking for a sample itinerary for Monday, January 15? Start your day at the 30th Annual McCrorey YMCA MLK Holiday Celebration with event proceeds supporting programming benefitting youth and families in Charlotte’s northwest corridor. (Breakfast is 8:00 am-9:00 am in the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center; doors open at 7:15 am.) Then head to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture celebrating its golden anniversary in 2024 (50 years!). From 9:00 am-6:00 pm, the Gantt Center is featuring free all-ages programming entitled MLK Day 2024: Truth & Reconciliation. There will be complimentary tours and exhibitions, a kick-off to the “Years of Service Initiative” highlighting the work of local nonprofits and grassroots organizations working to preserve Rev. Dr. King’s legacy in their specific ways, and special partnered programs with Gantt neighbor, Levine Museum of the New South, featuring a panel discussion (10:30 am-12:00 pm) and a globally-integrated dance performance (2:30 pm-3:30 pm). For free child-focused activities, stop by the Levine Museum of the New South from 10:00 am-3:00 pm for story time and MLK-inspired arts and crafts activities.

Of course, volunteerism takes center stage with various opportunities for Charlotte residents to give back to our communities throughout the month. Local organizations are organizing service projects, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups to food drives, allowing individuals to contribute to the betterment of the city in the true spirit of Rev. Dr. King’s commitment to social justice. A quick internet search yields many options or reach out to the WIF office or other members for suggestions! Amid these events, it’s important not only to reflect on the progress made but also to acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. By actively participating in local activities and giving back through volunteer opportunities, residents can ensure that Rev. Dr. King’s dream remains a vibrant and evolving force shaping the future of Charlotte.

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Janet LaBar

Executive Director​
jlabar@womensimpactfund.org

With more than 25 years of experience, Janet has a proven track record of leading organizations and teams in developing strategies that foster thriving communities. Her career is dedicated to the well-being of the places she serves, and the people and businesses within them, positioning her as a trusted sounding board, critical thinker, and purposeful protagonist across corporate, government, education, entrepreneurial, and civic spheres.
Janet joined Women’s Impact Fund in June 2025 to guide one of Charlotte’s most respected, women-led philanthropic organizations into its next phase of growth and impact. In partnership with the Women’s Impact Fund team, Board, Advisors, members, volunteers, and key community partners, she will continue strengthening communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement.
Inspired by her family, teams who dare greatly, and people and communities striving to be their best selves, Janet’s impactful career includes leadership roles as President and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and Chief Performance Officer of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. As a first-generation Filipino American, her lived experience deeply informs her professional drive to create equitable economic growth and opportunity in the metro areas she’s served.
She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Janet and her husband James are proud parents to an older daughter, and a daughter and son who are twins.