Communities typically honor the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through tributes and commemorations like community service, volunteering and readings.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on January 20, with mail and trash collection unavailable, banks and government offices closed, schools closed in some areas, and most private businesses remaining open.

MLK Day is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. On this day, Americans are encouraged to observe civic work and community service in honor of King's legacy. Columbus' first MLK Day March was held in 1987, one year after the federal holiday was observed. Since then, the city engages in annual celebrations for the community.

Today's local leaders expressed defiance toward Trump, while young speakers at the Columbus celebration spoke in hopeful tones about the future.

Celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day took place around the Columbus area today. Speakers celebrated King's legacy, his impact and his local ties to the civil rights movement that he helped lead.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — 2025 marks 40 years since Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday across the nation. Though, here in Columbus, there is an annual celebration that embodies the morals and values of the Civil Rights leader.

All across Columbus, people are reflecting and honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The freezing temperatures did not stop “We Are Linden.” The group,

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Ohio Northern University in 1968. One woman remembers the impact the prominent civil rights leader’s words had at the rural northwest Ohio school.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, Jan. 20. Groups and organizations are commemorating the civil rights leader with events and activities.

And young people — including three central Ohio high ... in Columbus to honor King occurred in 1986, which also was the first year of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

University Pastor Dan Hille led the morning’s meditation. He spoke of courage and strength, and discussed using Jan. 20 as a day to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. He encouraged the audience to measure themselves according to the morals and values of Dr. King.

Sixth-graders at Xenia Community Schools were abuzz with chatter Tuesday morning, sitting down to lunch in their brand new “cafetorium” at Warner Middle School.