King Day 2024
“I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid today’s mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1964
Thank You to our 2024 King Day Support
Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
On December 10, 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received a Nobel Peace Prize for his dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement and steadfast commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action.
At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
Interactive Story Time
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier. The children's book brings to life the story of one of the most influential civil rights leaders of all time, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Knowledge is Power: Children's Book Giveaway
NAAM has curated books that teach all children the rich history of Black Americans.
On King Day, we will give away hundreds of new books to local youth. We will continue to distribute free books each month throughout the region. In honor of Dr. King, please consider a monetary donation to the Book Fund and help advance racial equity.
King Day Reading List
Download the NAAM-curated list of children’s books about the civil rights movement and the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Looking Back at the 2023 King Day Program
The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), with generous sponsorship support from Boeing, Rave Foundation, Union Bank and more, reopened its building operations on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023 with a large community King Day Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.
Dr. King & Rev. McKinney
The King and McKinney families had a relationship that began in the late 1800s. Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were childhood friends who were in the same freshman class at Morehouse College. This video tells that story.
Thank you to Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney, daughter of Rev. McKinney, for providing this poignant story on Dr. King’s 93rd birthday.
Larry Gossett Reflects on Dr. King’s Visit to Seattle
In 1961, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his first and only visit to Seattle. Former King County Councilman Larry Gossett reflects on that visit and the reverberating effect Dr. King’s speeches had on the community.