Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Week of Celebrations and Service

Together, let us continue to inspire positive change and uphold the values that Dr. King held dear.

The Office of Campus Unity and Connection invites you to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebrations and Service, a time to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy and actively contribute to building stronger communities.

The week begins with the Cleveland County NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026:

Peace Walk: Starts at 10:30 AM at the Justice Center and ends at Malcolm Brown Auditorium at Shelby High School.
Main Program: At 11:30 AM in Malcolm Brown Auditorium. Shuttles will run from Malcolm Brown to the Justice Center at 9:30 AM. This event is free and open to the public.

MLK Day of Service Activities

Throughout the week, we encourage you to join our MLK Day of Service activities:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Voices of Unity: The Pennant Project | 2:00 p.m. | Tucker Student Center
Different voices. One community.

Join us in bringing together individual dreams, experiences, and identities into a shared visual expression. Each pennant represents a unique voice, and together they form a powerful symbol of community, collaboration, and unity.

Thursday, January 22, 2026
MLK Week Featured Film | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum Theater, Tucker Student Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: King in the Wilderness: The Last Years of MLK Jr.’s Life’

Join us for this documentary that explores a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. during the last years of his life, from his part in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to his assassination in 1968.

For more information or to register, please contact:

Jessika Raduly, Director of Campus Unity and Connection

Dr. King’s words remind us: “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” This week is not only about remembering his legacy but also about making a difference ourselves. Take part in community efforts that embody Dr. King’s vision for a better society.

Other Project Ideas

Donate or Volunteer Safely with Food Banks and Pantries – Visit Feeding America or Food Pantries to find an organization near you.
Deliver Meals and Groceries to Vulnerable Seniors – Help out someone you know or contact your local Meals on Wheels to learn ways to volunteer.
Stay in Touch – Check on your neighbors, friends, and family, especially those who are older or maybe alone. A phone call, text, or a conversation through the door could brighten their day.
Volunteer from Home – Check out AllForGood.org for service ideas.

Learn More about Dr. King’s legacy

Martin Luther King, Jr. –Noteworthy Websites – Martin Luther King, Jr. Resources
Listen to Dr. King’s Most Famous Speech, I Have a Dream
Read Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Read about The King Philosophy and Beloved Community
Visit the King Center
Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? HISTORY & CULTURE EXPLAINER

Upcoming Events

We have organized a range of events throughout the week, aimed at promoting active participation and contemplation of Dr. King’s vision. These events include community service initiatives, offering plenty of opportunities for us to engage and contribute towards the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.