From removing invasive vines to discussing affordable housing, Northwest Philadelphia residents are planning to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through environmental stewardship and community building during a packed weekend of service projects and commemorative events.
The two-day celebration, spanning January 19-20, 2025, centers heavily on the historic Germantown neighborhood, but Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy, also are embracing Dr. King's question: "What are you doing for others?"
Environmental conservation is a major theme this year, with four separate organizations hosting …
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From removing invasive vines to discussing affordable housing, Northwest Philadelphia residents are planning to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through environmental stewardship and community building during a packed weekend of service projects and commemorative events.
The two-day celebration, spanning January 19-20, 2025, centers heavily on the historic Germantown neighborhood, but Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy, also are embracing Dr. King's question: "What are you doing for others?"
Environmental conservation is a major theme this year, with four separate organizations hosting events to protect urban forests and watersheds. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Friends of the Wissahickon, Awbury Arboretum, and Historic Stenton will all mobilize volunteers to remove invasive species and preserve tree canopy in Northwest Philadelphia's green spaces.
Community organizing and social justice discussions will take center stage at several indoor venues, including a five-hour program examining King's revolutionary vision at October Gallery and a focused discussion on affordable housing at First United Methodist Church of Germantown. The Johnson House Historic Site, a former Underground Railroad station, connects past to present by honoring Dr. Constance Clayton, Philadelphia's first African American school superintendent.
The weekend begins with Germantown United CDC's commercial corridor cleanup on Sunday morning and concludes Monday afternoon at the Schuylkill Center, offering residents multiple opportunities to engage in what organizers describe as a celebration of collective action and community care.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 EVENT
Disaster relief
Volunteers at United Lutheran Seminary in Mt. Airy will assemble women’s hygiene kits and flood cleanup buckets from 10 a.m. to noon to help survivors of disasters in Pennsylvania. Volunteers can donate items, help assemble the kits or host their own volunteer event. For information, visit libertylutheran.org/mlk-service-day.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 EVENTS
Germantown clean-up
Germantown United CDC leads a community clean-up and garden bed assembly project from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting at 5700 Greene St. The event, organized with multiple community partners including I Love Thy Hood and Weavers Way Co-op, includes a January 26 rain date. Free street parking is available, with nearby bus routes H, XH, 26, 23, and 55 serving the area.
For more information contact info@germantownunitedcdc.org.
Revolutionary visionary program
October Gallery (6353 Greene Street) hosts a free five-hour program from 1-6 p.m. examining King's revolutionary vision through panel discussions, multimedia presentations, and interactive sessions. The event features multiple TV screens, round table discussions, refreshments, and free prints and posters for attendees.
For more information, call 215-352-3114
Lutheran Memorial Service
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and African Descent Lutheran Association's Philadelphia Chapter host their annual service at 3 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church (700 Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland). The service theme "We have been here before Beloved, now what?" includes a collection drive for hygiene supplies.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20 EVENTS
Family Festival
Woodmere art museum presents its annual King Day observance at noon when
children can discover stories of courage and determination, listen to inspiring music and create art that celebrates Dr. King. The museum is at 9201 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill. To register, visit woodmereartmuseum.org.
Joyful Service Projects
The Unitarian Society of Germantown in Mt. Airy hosts its 28th annual MLK service day with volunteers participating in projects that will benefit 20 organizations including Cradles to Crayons, Our Brothers Place shelter and St. Vincent’s Food Pantry. Volunteers can donate items such as socks and children’s books or join in activities including assembling care bags and decorating cards for seniors. For information and to sign up, visit usguu.org.
Environmental Conservation Projects
Friends of the Wissahickon coordinates invasive plant removal and litter cleanup at Blue Bell Hill Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Bathroom access is available.
Register at fow.org or contact Marisa Miller at miller@fow.org
Awbury Arboretum hosts vine removal projects from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register at awbury.org
Historic Stenton (4601 N 18th St.) organizes tree preservation work from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a fire pit and refreshments.
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (8780 Hagy's Mill Rd., Roxborough) offers forest protection projects from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Register at schuylkillcenter.org or contact volunteer@schuylkillcenter.org
Community building events
First United Methodist Church of Germantown (6001 Germantown Avenue) hosts the Annual Dr. King Day Beloved Community Event from 1-3 p.m., focusing on affordable housing and community organizing. Free parking is available; childcare is provided with separate registration.
Register at drkingday2025.eventbrite.com.
Celebrating history
Johnson House Historic Site presents a special program at Germantown Mennonite Church (21 West Washington Lane) from 2-4 p.m., honoring education pioneer Dr. Constance Clayton and featuring author Fasaha Traylor with Voices of Philadelphia performances.
Tickets: $15. Registration is required.
Most service events provide necessary equipment and welcome volunteers of all experience levels. Most outdoor events recommend weather-appropriate clothing and advance registration.
For additional Germantown clean-up opportunities, residents can contact info@germantownunitedcdc.org.