HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — People across the nation and locally on Monday are honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Many local school districts, businesses and government offices are closed across Hampton Roads in observance of the holiday.
A wreath-laying ceremony was set to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Nation Action Network hosted its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast in the nation’s capital.
Several leaders and officials were slated to be in attendance at the breakfast, including Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Locally, there were several events held Monday for the holiday.
NORFOLK
People gathered in Norfolk Monday morning for an annual celebration and march. Participators started at the Attucks Theater and walked arm-in-arm all the way to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Monday’s event included a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial.
A ceremony inside the Attucks Theater featured multiple performances from different groups, including Teens with a Purpose and representatives from First Baptist Church at Lambert’s Point.
Rev. John Burton from St. John's AME Church speaks at the Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Ceremony at Attucks Theatre @WAVY_News pic.twitter.com/JGRFFaI4XF
— Erin Kelly (@Erin_WAVY) January 16, 2017
Reverend John Burton of the St. John’s AME Church gave a speech at Monday’s ceremony.
VIRGINIA BEACH
The Urban League of Hampton Roads held its 33rd Annual breakfast Monday morning at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, near the Oceanfront.
Great morning in the @CityofVaBeach celebrating a great man with the @UrbanLeagueHR ! #MLKDay2017 #Courage2LoveULHR pic.twitter.com/4ChDaBYKze
— Anita Blanton (@AnitaWAVY) January 16, 2017
HAMPTON
Hampton University hosted its annual free MLK march and program Monday morning.
More than 100 volunteers gathered at the North Phoebus Community Center to scrub, paint and pick up trash.
NEWPORT NEWS
Newport Mews Mayor McKinley Price and other city leaders hosted a food drive Monday. City leaders were at the Food Bank on Aluminum Avenue collecting donations.
They are encouraged residents to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service in helping replenish the Food Bank’s food supply after the holidays.
A full list of local events and MLK Day closures can be found on hrScene.com.