MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY : Month of memories honors civil rights leader.

Slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored this month with events to spark the memories of those familiar with his legacy and introduce him to those too young to recall his work.

King was born in Atlanta in 1929, and his birthday was made a federal holiday in 1986. This year, the celebration falls on Jan. 17.

A Montgomery preacher, King won the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his gospel of tolerance and his efforts to attain black civil rights through nonviolent protest. He was assassinated April 4, 1968.

Among area celebrations is a “Brotherhood/Sisterhood Show” at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Redondo Beach North Branch Public Library, where children 2 to 12 will learn about King’s lessons of tolerance and friendship through a series of humorous sketches. In the half-hour performance an actor gradually dons costume and makeup, transforming himself from just another tall, lanky guy to a clown with a message.

The is especially appropriate for preschoolers, a spokeswoman said. Children and adults must check out three children’s books each to gain admission. The library is at 2000 Artesia Blvd.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee in Gardena marks its 21st annual celebration of his life beginning with Youth Program Night, tonight at Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave. Local youngsters will perform music, dramatic readings and display artworks in a salute to King.

The committee’s ninth annual community parade begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center, 1700 W. 162nd St. The parade, featuring bands, drill teams and community organizations, will travel north to Rowley Park, where entertainment, food and games will await, organizers said.

In Carson, the South Bay Pavilion has planned a free three-day arts festival to honor King beginning Jan. 15. The event will feature arts and crafts from 40 artisans. Free afternoon entertainment will include dance and musical performances. The Pavilion is at the San Diego Freeway and Avalon Boulevard.

Carson will have its 10th annual tribute to King on Jan. 15 at the Carson Community Center. The three-hour event begins at 2 p.m. and will feature gospel music, modern dance performances, dramatic readings and other reflections on King’s life and work. The center is at 801 E. Carson St.

In Inglewood, celebrants will assemble at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at Hollywood Park, gate 7, and march down 90th Street to the First Church of God at 9550 S. Crenshaw Blvd., where Rep. Maxine Waters will address the crowd. The half-mile walk commemorates the nonviolent protest marches led by King, organizers said.

“We don’t parade,” said Truman Jacques, the city’s director of communications. “There are no fire trucks or beauty queens. Everybody’s on foot and walks the way Dr. King did.”