Warning: Fun Weekend Ahead

Got plans for the three-day weekend? There’s a lot going in Washington, D.C., and around the country as the nation celebrates the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. This year, both events are officially observed on Monday.

If you ‘re pondering what to do, consider the following:

• Throw your own inaugural ball. Get dressed up in party clothes and invite friends over.

• Attend a program celebrating the life and legacy of King.  A list of free activities should be listed in the Community Calendar section of newspapers, and radio and TV stations.

• Read King’s speeches. “I Have a Dream” is the most popular speech, but others are just as uplifting and quote worthy.

• Visit a museum dedicated to another ethnic or religious group. You can learn all about the group’s history and culture.

• Visit historic sites in your city. Do you know who founded your city?

• Attend a worship service with someone from a different ethnic group. Choirs in black churches sing gospel music that will have you tapping your toes, clapping and swaying in the pews.

• If you’re babysitting, let the kids stage a play on inauguration day. Use their parents’ old clothes for costumes.

• Read a biography of your favorite president. Behind every great man is a fabulous woman, so find out what role the first lady played during his presidency.

•  Research your genealogy. If you know where your ancestors originated, find out what life was like in that country before they came to the United States.

•  Set aside some quiet time and reflect on how you can make a difference in someone’s life. It could be simple as tutoring a child in reading or math.