This year's state-sponsored Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will be held Monday at the Minnesota History Center rather than at Concordia University in St. Paul, as in previous years.
Events were moved because the Minnesota Historical Society, a sponsor of the annual celebration, offered to provide space at the History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., in St. Paul.
Events will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the History Center, where the Council on Black Minnesotans will host a 90-minute discussion on the coming legislative session.
At 10:15 a.m., the annual march will begin in front of the Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Av., and wind down John Ireland Boulevard before ending at the History Center.
The History Center program will begin at 11 a.m. and feature remarks by Gov. Mark Dayton and a keynote address by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.
Josie Johnson, a local civil rights activist, will be honored. Johnson is a former Minneapolis Urban League director who attended the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech.
A complimentary lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. at the History Center. Lunch can also be purchased on site at the Minnesota Cafe.
Parking will be free at all State Capitol lots or $5 per vehicle at the History Center.
