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From service projects to parades, here are the best ways to celebrate MLK Day in Atlanta

The theme this year is tied to King's vision: Humanity tied in a single garment of destiny.

Organizations around metro Atlanta are honoring the influence of the homegrown hero -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Observed on the third Monday of January, MLK Day, is being marked by lectures and parades, as well as a prayer and community service that the Baptist minister's commitment to nonviolence rights.
King's legacy is the focus of a 10-day celebration at his namesake  
, 449 Auburn Ave., NE, Atlanta. The celebration will include a workshop and a children's book program.
The center's hallmark is the commemorative 10 a.m. service on Jan. 21 at  
The ecumenical program features speakers from different faiths and different state, federal and international governments. It provides provides a reminder for people to work in volunteering as a tribute to King's work. Among large service projects in metro Atlanta:
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will mobilize more than 1,500 volunteers at 25 different service projects across Atlanta on Jan. 21. In addition, the group will host its Signature Sunday Supper on Jan. 20 as a kickoff to a national  
campaign to believe meaningful conversation. For volunteer opportunities, call (404) 979-2820.
The City of East Point will hold its  
from 11 am to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Jefferson Park Recreation Center, 1431 Norman Berry Drive, East Point. The event features free food, health and wellness checks, nutrition classes and more. 
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and Homeless at Heart 2,000 care packages for homeless and disadvantaged families in Atlanta. The event runs from 11 am to 4:30 pm Jan. 21 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
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(2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge) will host an MLK Day of Service, for volunteers to help spruce up the park from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21. Projects include trail maintenance and removal of invasive plants. 
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holds its 17 
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annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project from Jan. 19-21 at various private homes in the city limits. Volunteers will work for the home citizens.
The Atlanta History Center and the Atlanta History Center Midtown will be admitted from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 in honor of King. "An African-American poet" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker, and 3:30 p.m. talk by Adam Parker, author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr. " 
• The Georgia Alliance for Social Justice will honor King  
on Jan. 21. The free event is open to any person or organization. Marchers will assemble at 1 p.m. at Peachtree and Baker streets, and at march begins at 1:45 p.m.
Regions across the metro region also will host the local parades, ceremonies and other celebrations for the holiday. Among them:
and the Cobb branch of the NAACP will present a tribute to King with dance, dramatic readings and musical performances at 10 a.m. Jan. 21 at Turner Chapel AME, 492 North Marietta Parkway NE, Marietta.
• The United Ebony Society of  
will host the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. Celebration and Parade at 11 am Jan. 21 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.
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The  
NAACP will be a prayer for the King's legacy. Advance tickets are $ 20 ($ 10 for students) for the breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 262 Macon St., McDonough. The parade begins at 11 am Jan. 21 from Henry County Performing Arts Center, 37 Lemon St., McDonough.
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will hold its free Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 10 a.m. in the Studio Theater of City Hall, 1 Galambos Way.
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The  
Think Tank will host its 3rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade at noon Jan. 21, starting at Rockdale High School and ending at Rockdale County Courthouse in Conyers. 
• Drummers will complete the  
at 8 a.m. in Piedmont Park. Registration is $ 30 and includes music and dancing, which is a fundraiser for churches, school groups and other organizations that participate.
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