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Celebrate Martin Luther King Day with Great Shows from Twin Cities PBS

January 17, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. giving a speech

Every third Monday in January we set aside time to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and honor his civil rights and social justice activism through a National Day of Service.

As part of TPT’s celebration of this year, we have curated a collection of resources that honor King’s impact, share the history of civil rights activism, inspire action and uplift King’s message of social justice.

On January 20, you can livestream the 39th Annual State of Minnesota’s Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day Celebration on TPT.org, watch a discovered tape of a speech given by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the University of Minnesota in 1967, enjoy past speakers from the annual MLK day breakfasts hosted by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and General Mills, or dive into the landmark PBS series, Eyes on the Prize, a definitive history of the civil rights era. Read on for all of our picks.


Rose McGee Believes in the Unifying Power of Sweet Potato Pie

Rose McGee does not love to cook. It’s a surprising admission from a woman who’s come to be known by many as “The Pie Lady.” With more than 4,000 sweet potato pies to her credit, this Minnesotan is building community and inspiring unity with her Sweet Potato Comfort PiesAnd that commitment to community recently earned her a 2023 Facing Race Award from the St. Paul & Minneapolis Foundation, a recognition that honors anti-racism advocates for making Minnesota a place where everyone can thrive.

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Minnesota Experience: Martin Luther King in Minnesota

A discovered tape of a speech given by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the University of Minnesota in 1967; followed by an interview of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by host L. Howard Bennett for a discussion on ideas, methods and words of wisdom on how to achieve the goal of a free society for all.

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Hope in the Struggle: The Josie Johnson Story

A reflection on the life of freedom fighter and civic leader Dr. Josie Johnson, who fought for fair housing, education, and civil rights. Hear in her own words how her experiences turned her to activism, what action looks like, and how the next generation is taking up the mantle. The struggle for justice and equality continues, but there is hope in the struggle.

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Jim Crow of the North Stories

“Jim Crow of the North Stories” uncovers the dark history of systemic racism in Minnesota, but also lifts up Black resistance and resilience in the past and the present-day changemakers bringing it to light and looking to right historical housing injustices. The four series of short documentaries is hosted by local historian Acoma Gaither.

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Eyes on the Prize

Revisit this landmark series, the definitive story of the civil rights era from the point of view of the ordinary men and women whose extraordinary actions launched a movement that changed the fabric of American life.

Watch by logging into your TPT Passport account.

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Civil Rights Across Generations

A Civil Rights Movement conversation between Congressman John Lewis of Georgia and Twin Cities teenagers. Co-Produced w/ General Mills Foundation.

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Martin Luther King Day Breakfast – Minnesota 2015-2019

This breakfast celebrates Dr. King’s legacy of service and inspires others to live out his dream in their community and throughout the world. 2019’s keynote speaker is Don Lemon, award winning news anchor for CNN based in New York City, and hosts CNN Tonight. Also find leaders like Donna Brazile, David Oyelowo and Myrlie Evers-Williams featured as past year’s speakers.

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© Twin Cities Public Television - 2025. All rights reserved.

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