![Martin Luther King Jr. asks questions of a tenant at a hearing on housing conditions in Hough in 1967. [Northeast Ohio Broadcast Archive at John Carroll University]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7529a16/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1204x773+0+0/resize/840x540!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F1%2F20%2F67KingTenantHearing.jpg)
The view from the Idea Center
It’s MLK Day, our federal holiday to remember civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose life was spent in service to an idea that men (and women) are really, truly created equal and should be treated as such.
Here’s a short list of some events to help you mark this special day.
The Cleveland Orchestra hosts its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Open House, with free musical performances by the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and “400: An Afrikan Epic” with Dr. Mark Lomax and his ensemble. Lomax’s conversation with ideastream’s Dan Polletta about the piece may inspire you to stick around after the Severance Hall performance for the Q&A.
At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, wander around the exhibits free of charge. There’s also a “family educational session” this afternoon exploring the history of soul and rhythm and blues music in Cleveland.
In Beachwood, the musical celebration continues at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s free “Hear Our Voices” program. On the schedule for this afternoon is a documentary film screening of “Soundtrack for a Revolution: Freedom Songs from the Civil Rights Era.” There are also crafts and activities for you and the kids.
Today’s holiday in King’s name comes against the backdrop of a gun rights demonstration in Richmond, Virginia, that is expected to draw militia groups and white supremacists amid a presidential election year in which the man seeking re-election, Donald Trump, has been impeached.
I’ll close with these words from Dr. King: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
See you bright and early tomorrow morning on the radio,
Amy Eddings
Need to KnOH
Headlines from Northeast Ohio and Beyond
![In this photo taken May 27, 1942, Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller stands at attention after being awarded the Navy Cross for for his actions aboard the USS West Virginia during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. [U.S. Navy]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dcbf95e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1000x751+0+0/resize/840x630!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fusers%2Fawu%2F2020%2F01%2F797780994_674098478%20US%20Navy.jpg)
- U.S. Navy To Name Aircraft Carrier After WWII Hero Doris Miller
- Cuyahoga County Program Will Monitor Adult Wards For Abuse, Neglect
- Cleveland Public Library Photo Exhibit Shares Snapshots Of Cleveland
- Looming Impeachment Trial Adds Urgency To Senators' Campaign Push
- Talespinner Children's Theatre Founder Alison Garrigan Retires
Your ideas
What are your thoughts on the state of race relations in Cleveland on this day honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? Share your dreams and your worries. Call us at (216) 916-6476, comment on our Facebook page or join the conversation in Public Square. We'll feature some of your thoughts and comments here in Noon(ish) and on Morning Edition.
And before you head out into the snow for a day of events to mark Dr. King's legacy, check out this story from ideastream's Nick Castele on King's visit to Cleveland in 1967 as part of his campaign against poverty and discrimination.
Or stay in and watch ideastream’s production of the Cleveland Orchestra’s 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert marking the 50 th anniversary of King’s death.
