Dr Martin Luther King Jr National Mall
Martin Luther King Jr. waves at crowd on National Mall, Washington, D.C. - Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: 2025 Weekend Itinerary

The Wheeling community will come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a weekend of special events. From inspiring discussions and creative performances to a community march and interfaith service, there is something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the impact of this civil rights leader.

Friday, January 17

Special Shabbat Service

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Temple Shalom, 23 Bethany Pike, Wheeling

Begin the weekend with a wine and cheese reception followed by a creative liturgy celebrating unity and justice.

Saturday, January 18

Student/Community Panel Discussion

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Troy Theater, Wheeling University, 316 Washington Ave., Wheeling

Join students and community leaders for a panel discussion exploring the legacy and continued influence of Dr. King.

Ohio Valley Festival for Filmmakers of Color

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Troy Theater, Wheeling University, 316 Washington Ave., Wheeling

The YWCA Wheeling presents the 4th Annual Festival showcasing award-winning 10-minute films from filmmakers across five states. Categories include Best Comedy, Documentary, Animation, Drama, and the YWCA Choice Award. Attendees will vote for the “People’s Champ Award.”

wheeling YWCA
Wheeling YWCA

Sunday, January 19

MLK March

Time: 2:15 p.m.

Starting Location: The Windmill, 470 Stone Blvd., Wheeling

Ending Location: West Virginia Northern Community College, 1704 Market St., Wheeling

Walk in unity through the streets of Wheeling, honoring the legacy of Dr. King.

Awards Ceremony

Time: 3 p.m.

Subscribe to Weelunk

Location: WVNCC, 1704 Market St., Wheeling

Celebrate the contributions of honorees Mr. Donald Walters and Mrs. Tressie Fitzhugh.

Community Banquet

Time: 4 p.m.

Location: The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, 1610 Eoff St., Wheeling

Share a meal with the community and reflect on Dr. King’s teachings.

Interfaith Worship Service

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Bethlehem Apostolic Temple Church, 330 Main St., Wheeling

Honor MLK and Rosa Parks Award winners Rev. Kenny Hardway, Bishop James Agnew III, and Sister Carmella Campione. Special recognition will be given to the Hometown Reunion Committee.

Transportation shuttles, courtesy of Altmeyer Funeral Home, will provide service to all events on January 19. Stops include The Soup Kitchen, the Federal Building, and WVNCC.

Monday, January 20

MLK Contest Breakfast and Awards Ceremony

Time: 9 a.m. Breakfast | 9:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony

Location: Laughlin Memorial Chapel, 129 18th St., Wheeling

Celebrate the winners of the MLK Contest over breakfast.

Children’s Programming

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Laughlin Chapel, 129 18th St., Wheeling

Engaging activities for children to learn about Dr. King’s teachings.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr press conference
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Press Conference March 1964 – Photo Courtesy of US Department of State

Celebrate With These Inspiring Events

This inspiring lineup of events invites the Wheeling community to reflect on the dream of equality, justice, and unity. Let’s honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by coming together, learning, and celebrating his legacy. We hope to see you there!

  • A lifelong Wheeling resident and graduate of Wheeling Park High School, Ron Scott Jr. attended Morehouse College and graduated from West Liberty University. He spent 13 years as a counselor in the field of addictions, working at a variety of agencies. His love for community, justice and creativity has led him to positions such as former president and vice president of the Upper Ohio Valley NAACP, former vice chairman of the Wheeling Human Rights Commission, founder of the Ohio Valley African American Students Association, member of Undependent Films, chairman of the Performing Arts Committee of the Wheeling Arts & Culture Commission, and a board member of the Independent Theater Collective. He currently serves as program director of Cultural Diversity & Community Outreach for the YWCA Wheeling.

    View all posts