Obama Rewind: MLK Day Celebration

The Obamas celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King. See photos.

Celebrating Dr. King - During Martin Luther King weekend, the first family spent time celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights icon by serving others and getting involved in the local D.C. community.  Here, the president takes in a selection sung by the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church choir during Sunday morning service. The D.C. church was founded by freed slaves.

1 / 14

Celebrating Dr. King - During Martin Luther King weekend, the first family spent time celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights icon by serving others and getting involved in the local D.C. community. Here, the president takes in a selection sung by the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church choir during Sunday morning service. The D.C. church was founded by freed slaves.

Sunday Service - The President addresses the congregation at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. He called on worshippers to celebrate progress, however small.

2 / 14

Sunday Service - The President addresses the congregation at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. He called on worshippers to celebrate progress, however small.

Serving Lunch - On Monday, the whole first family, and even some aides, served lunch to people at So Others Might Eat (SOME), an organization serving the poor and homeless. Here, the president shares a laugh with participants while volunteering.

3 / 14

Serving Lunch - On Monday, the whole first family, and even some aides, served lunch to people at So Others Might Eat (SOME), an organization serving the poor and homeless. Here, the president shares a laugh with participants while volunteering.

Sasha Helps - Eight-year-old Sasha Obama picks up a glass while helping to serve lunch.

4 / 14

Sasha Helps - Eight-year-old Sasha Obama picks up a glass while helping to serve lunch.

First Lady - The first lady serves drinks during the lunch at So Others Might Eat.

5 / 14

First Lady - The first lady serves drinks during the lunch at So Others Might Eat.

ADVERTISEMENT
Red Cross Center - Here, the president greets employees at the Red Cross Disaster Operation Center in D.C. The workers here are coordinating relief efforts for Haiti.

6 / 14

Red Cross Center - Here, the president greets employees at the Red Cross Disaster Operation Center in D.C. The workers here are coordinating relief efforts for Haiti.

The Pres. and Malia - While serving lunch, Pres. Obama pauses with daughter Malia, 11, who also helped out.

7 / 14

The Pres. and Malia - While serving lunch, Pres. Obama pauses with daughter Malia, 11, who also helped out.

Greeting Workers - First Lady Michelle Obama greets and shakes hands with other employees at the Red Cross Disaster Operation Center.

8 / 14

Greeting Workers - First Lady Michelle Obama greets and shakes hands with other employees at the Red Cross Disaster Operation Center.

Greeting Workers - The Obamas stand side by side as they greet Center employees.

9 / 14

Greeting Workers - The Obamas stand side by side as they greet Center employees.

Civil Rights Conversation - After volunteering at the lunch, the president and first lady returned to the White House to host a conversation with a small group of African-American seniors about the legacy of the civil rights movement. The meeting was held in the Roosevelt Room.

10 / 14

Civil Rights Conversation - After volunteering at the lunch, the president and first lady returned to the White House to host a conversation with a small group of African-American seniors about the legacy of the civil rights movement. The meeting was held in the Roosevelt Room.

ADVERTISEMENT
Civil Rights Conversation - Obama talks with Mabel Harvey, a 102-year-old D.C. resident, during the conversation.

11 / 14

Civil Rights Conversation - Obama talks with Mabel Harvey, a 102-year-old D.C. resident, during the conversation.

'Let Freedom Ring Concert' - President Obama hugs former NBA player Dikembe Mutombo as former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson watches at the ‘Let Freedom Ring’ concert.

12 / 14

'Let Freedom Ring Concert' - President Obama hugs former NBA player Dikembe Mutombo as former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson watches at the ‘Let Freedom Ring’ concert.

'Let Freedom Ring Concert' - The rest of the first family was in attendance here too. Mrs. Obama waves as she is acknowledged at the concert. White House Adviser Valerie B. Jarrett, Marian Robinson, Sasha and Malia sat beside her.

13 / 14

'Let Freedom Ring Concert' - The rest of the first family was in attendance here too. Mrs. Obama waves as she is acknowledged at the concert. White House Adviser Valerie B. Jarrett, Marian Robinson, Sasha and Malia sat beside her.

'Let Freedom Ring Concert' - In the evening, President Obama spoke at the ‘Let Freedom Ring’ concert at the Kennedy Center.

14 / 14

'Let Freedom Ring Concert' - In the evening, President Obama spoke at the ‘Let Freedom Ring’ concert at the Kennedy Center.