By Michael Balderston
It’s Martin Luther King Day this Monday and that means our first three-day weekend of 2015. With the temperature set to pick up after the recent cold spell, it’s time to get out from underneath the blankets and back into world. There’s plenty to do this weekend for you and the kids to both honor Dr. King’s legacy and more.
‘Selma’ in theaters
The Golden Globe nominated film “Selma” follows Dr. King’s famous march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery and stars David Oyelowo as King. The film is a powerful portrait of the Civil Rights movement, how it remains relevant to this day and is a fitting tribute to Dr. King. “Selma” opened nationwide last Friday and is rate PG-13.
Outside the Spacecraft: 50 Years of Extra-Vehicular Activity
In 1965, Alekesi Leonov and Edward White were the first men to ever attempt space walks. 50 years later there has been a proud history of more than 200 men who have followed in their footsteps of Extra-Vehicular Activity and now you can learn all about it. The Air and Space Museum’s brand new exhibit includes artifacts and personal accounts from those who have been a part of EVA’s 50-year legacy.
‘Aladdin Jr.’ at Hylton Performing Arts Center
“Frozen” may be the Disney film of choice for the youngsters right now, but here’s the chance to reintroduce one of the all-time classics to them live. Pied Piper Theatre’s performance of “Aladdin Jr.” features a cast of young actors as Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the villainous Jafar and the magical Genie and promises to take its audience to a whole new world. Show times are Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Martin Luther King Day Celebrations
There will be a number of ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Monday. First, there will be a wreath laying service at the MLK Memorial in D.C. from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Later in the day there will also be a parade starting from Martin Luther King Ave. SE and Milwaukee Place SE in Anacostia at 11 a.m. Exhibits including ‘Snapshots: Portraits of a World in Transition’ and Theatre IV’s performance of ‘I Have a Dream’ also highlight the weekend’s celebration.
