Variety of Metro Events Honor Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Several events are planned Monday in the Des Moines area to celebrate the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center: The museum, which honors the Army’s first African-American officer class, plans an 11 a.m. program called “Honoring the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

The free event includes storytelling by Maureen Korte on the importance of diversity, crafts centered on service and the life of King, and the samples of King’s favorite meal (fried pork chops, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, beans, and iced tea), to be served to veterans and active duty service members. Students will participate in the construction of “The MLK Wall — What Would You Do To Change the World”, a mural pieced of each child’s artwork.

The museum is also hosting a canned-food drive; attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Des Moines Area Food Bank. For more

State Historical Building: A free event starting at 10:45 a.m. with welcoming comments by Gov. Terry Branstad, followed by a keynote address by Dr. William Anderson, vice president of academic affairs, osteopathic medical education within the Detroit Medical Center. Music by the Special MLK Choir and a presentation of service and achievement awards are planned.

Forest Avenue Library in Des Moines: The Friends of the Forest Avenue Library will hold a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at 2 p.m. Guest speakers will be Marcus McIntosh from KCCI-TV, and the winners of the library’s essay contest. There will be a reception following the program with refreshments provided. There is no cost to attend.

Federal and state  government offices are closed for the holiday. There will be no mail delivery Monday by the U.S. Postal Service.

About half of the banks in the state will be closed, according to the Iowa Banker’s Association.

West Des Moines Community Schools are closed for a professional development/staff work day.

West Des Moines city government offices and the West Des Moines Public Library will be open Monday.