Richmond’s 40th commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will include a number of mostly free activities that are open to the community.

While schools, state, city and federal offices are closed Monday, Jan. 15, for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, people should look at it as more than a day off, said Dr. Ricardo Brown, executive director of Living the Dream Inc. that coordinates many of the city’s activities.

Previously, it was known as Community Learning Week.

“Today, our focus is not a day off, but a day on to do community service,” said Dr. Brown, co-pastor of Fifth Baptist Church.

The commemoration will begin 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, with a community worship service at Sixth Baptist Church, 400 S. Addison St.

The Rev. Jaimal C. Hayes, senior pastor of Abner Baptist Church in Glen Allen, will be the guest preacher, with music by the Richmond Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America Choir.

Events continue with the 40th Annual Community Leaders Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the Richmond Marriott Downtown, 500 E. Broad St. The keynote speaker will be Congressman A. Donald McEachin. Tickets are required for the breakfast.

The Rev. Christy S. Moore of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church will speak at this year’s mass meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at Cedar Street Memorial Baptist Church, 2301 Cedar St. Richmond Public Schools students will be recognized for their achievements during the event. Monica B. Vannoy will be the guest singer.

At 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15, Dr. Emanuel C. Harris, pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Goochland County, will lead a worship celebration at Sharon Baptist Church, 500 E. Laburnum Ave.

Living the Dream continues into February with events sponsored by the Richmond Peace Education Center. Teen thespians will perform a tribute to Dr. King at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. — RONALD E. CARRINGTON