It’s that time of year to plan what you are going to be doing on the Day of Service. Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 20 this year, and there are plenty of activities happening across Philadelphia to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader throughout the long weekend.
MLK Day was designated as a National Day of Service in 1994 by the King Holiday and Service Act signed by President Bill Clinton. The day is intended to be “a day on, not a day off” to honor King’s commitment to community service. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January and honors the principles of this civil rights leader and Nobel Prize Winner dedicated to nonviolence.
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At the University of Pennsylvania, they are accepting registration for the Paint-Along Social event in honor of MLK Day. Caring for the world sometimes causes us to neglect caring for ourselves. Creative activities are an investment in our own personal wellness, so join in and paint an easy follow-along picture and decompress with others in a fun, relaxed environment for adults. Refreshments and all materials provided. Space is limited; registration is required. This event is part of the University of Pennsylvania’s 2025 MLK Symposium. The Paint Along Social event will take place on January 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm, at Houston Hall, Hall of Flags, 3417 Spruce Street, Phila., PA 19104.
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The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., celebrates King’s legacy all weekend, Friday, January 17, through Sunday, January 19. Admission to the museum is half-off. On Sunday, the museum hosts brunch with guest speakers, interactive discussions, and family-friendly activities. On Monday, January 20, admission is free, and there will be drum circles, coloring activities, DJ music, and a visit from the Phillie Phanatic.
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On Monday, January 20, the Fairmount Park Conservancy hosts an MLK Day of Service event from 10 am to 12 pm along Wynnefield Avenue and North Georges Hill Drive in West Fairmount Park. Participants can help remove invasive plants, maintain trails, clean up trash, and restore sidewalk paths in the park. Register online to participate.
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Franklin Square, at the park at Sixth and Race Streets, from Saturday, January 18, through Monday, January 20, come drop off new scarves, hats, and gloves that will be donated to the Bethesda Project, the nonprofit that helps people in Philadelphia experiencing homelessness. The cold-weather items also are being collected at the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., on those days. In return for their donations, people will receive free tickets to the carousel in Franklin Square or admission to the Betsy Ross House.
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Already getting Oscar buzz is special on Netflix: “Jamie Fox: What Had Happened Was…”; Bobby Dylan’s story, “A Complete Unknown” with Timothee Chalamet and “The Fire Inside” starring Ryan Destiny as Olympic boxer Clarissa “T-Rex” Shields and Danielle Deadwyler, for her portrayal in “A Piano Lesson” on Netflix.
With that being said, folks should keep an eye out for Danielle Deadwyler, an American actress who has made her mark on the big screen. She began her career appearing on the Atlanta stage, including in the 2009 production of “For Colored Girls,” and made her screen debut in the 2012 drama film, “A Cross to Bear.” Deadwyler gained praise for starring in the Western film, “The Harder They Fall” (2021) and the biopic “Till” (2022). Her portrayal of Mamie Till in “Till” earned her many accolades, including a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
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The recently released drama film, “The Piano Lesson’ (Denzel Washington’s Production company releasing an adaptation of the August Wilson play), could bring more accolades. Deadwyler also appears in the action thriller “Carry-On” for Netflix. She will also star in the horror film, “The Woman in the Yard,” directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.
Ryan Destiny caught my eye a while ago as one of the cast members in filmmaker’s Lee Daniels “Empire “spin-off “Star” leading the cast was Queen Latifah. “The Fire Inside” tells the story of Olympic boxer Clarissa “T-Rex” Shields, played by Ryan Destiny, and her coach, Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry). Shields’ accomplishments in the ring are a matter of public record, and she was the subject of a documentary. The film, from director Rachel Morrison and a script by Barry Jenkins, focuses on the relationship between Shields and her coach that sports fans never got to see.
“This is an inspirational sports movie until it becomes an inspirational life movie,” Morrison said. “The heart of it is the life part. A lot of it outside the ring is telling his side of the story, too.”
“This is a relationship that has been building since she was a child,” Henry said. “That dynamic of what it’s like to rear this woman into one of the strongest fighters. It had to be grounded truly in Ryan and I’s relationship. I feel like her life coach anyway.
When I saw the dynamic between Jason and Clarissa, it has to be anchored there and come from a truly authentic place of kinship.”
entic place of kinship.”
Destiny said she relied on Henry and Morrison to treat her as an equal in the safe space they created. For the actual boxing training, Destiny worked with Robert Sale, whom Michael B. Jordan recommended from their work on “Creed.”
Even though Destiny’s career started in music, which she still pursues her acting has taken priority. In December 2015, Destiny booked one of the lead roles as Alexandra in Daniels’ series Star – opposite Queen Latifah. Since then, Destiny has appeared in several movies but has not taken on a role like this one. Here, she really shines!!
Well, that’s the Philly Beat. Make sure you tune into the New World View With David Barnes and Yanina Carter on Sundays from 12 to 2 pm on WURD 96.1 FM, 900 AM, and on Facebook and WURD TV Live!!!
