Martin Luther King Jr. visited Shaw University in April 1960 for a three-day meeting on racial equality. | Photo via State Archives of North Carolina
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is today, and we’re remembering his presence in the City of Oaks and highlighting what you can do to honor his life and legacy.
King’s first visit to Raleigh was in April 1960 to support the Students Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at Shaw University.
The NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources found evidence that King delivered an early version of the famous “I Have A Dream” speech at a school gymnasium in Rocky Mount (~55 mins from Raleigh) on Nov. 27, 1962.
King spoke to an integrated audience of ~5,000 in Raleigh on July 31, 1966. Read about his visit.
Raleigh is home to the first public park in the US solely devoted to King and the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens is located at 1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Did you know: The park houses a life-size sculpture of King + more civil rights-centric public art.
Asked
Asked
Which local venue hosted King on July 31, 1966?
A. Dorton Arena B. John Chavis Memorial Park C. Reynolds Coliseum D. The State Fairgrounds
This North Raleigh home has it all: privacy, gorgeous + unique architecture, and a prime location. 1008 Enchanted Pine Ln. is perfect for every day and hosting special events, and it even has en suite bathrooms for each bedroom.
National Coffee Break Day, a reminder to partake in one of the country’s favorite pastimes — stepping away from your desk to grab a cup of joe. Fortunately, Raleigh has no shortage of choice.
Ranked
It’s time to raise the bar. Raleigh landed at No. 43 on WalletHub’s new list of the “Best and Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle” in 2026. For anyone aiming to build healthier habits this year, a local gym is a solid place to start.
Sports
The countdown is on to the greatest tournament in golf. The Masters returns to Augusta National in 80 days, with the world’s best men’s golfers vying for the coveted Green Jacket. Get in the spirit, connect with friends, or practice your short game at a Triangle golf course.
Read
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Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
City Guide
🤝 Pay it forward today
Raleigh has a variety of organizations with volunteer opportunities. | Photo courtesy of No Woman No Girl Initiative
Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Here’s where to serve others in Raleigh.
Note in the Pocket | Volunteer as a group or individual to sort and fold clothes at this nonprofit providing quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children + families.
No Woman No Girl Initiative | Give back to women and girls in the Triangle by distributing basic hygiene materials to the community + teaching life skills.
Oak City Cares | Provide food for upcoming holiday dinners or become a weekend host for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Roots with Purpose | Help assemble Compassion Packs full of hygiene supplies for the local unsheltered community.
Our favorite two-piece set featuring a knit sweater vest and pants. Pair it with your favorite cardigan for winter wardrobing, then wear it on its own as the weather warms for effortless, year-round style.
ICYMI, a group of Buddhist monks are set to walk through Raleigh in the next week or so as part of their 120-day Walk for Peace in the US. The group crossed the South Carolina/North Carolina border on Thursday and are making their way to central NC as we speak.
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