MSU to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Through 2026 Commemorative Celebration

Michigan State University will honor the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through its annual MLK Commemorative Celebration, taking place Jan. 15–23. The weeklong series of events invites students, faculty, staff and community members to come together in reflection, learning and engagement inspired by King’s vision of justice, equity and unity.

Now in its 46th year, the MLK Commemorative Celebration continues a longstanding MSU tradition of fostering dialogue and action around civil rights, social responsibility and inclusive excellence. The celebration is coordinated by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact in collaboration with campus and community partners.

“As a public land-grant institution, the mission of Michigan State University aligns with Dr. King’s charge, which calls us to serve the common good. For 46 years, these celebrations have brought our community together to honor his legacy and reaffirm our shared responsibility to foster access, opportunity and excellence for all,” said Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.

The week begins with the Community Unity Dinner and ends with the ninth annual University-Wide Diversity Research Showcase. Learn more about the events below.

Community Unity Dinner opens the celebration

The annual Community Unity Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 15, is a signature event that brings together members of the MSU and Greater Lansing communities for an evening of reflection and connection.

This year’s dinner features keynote speaker Terry Flennaugh, a nationally recognized scholar whose work focuses on educational equity, leadership and social justice. The dinner serves as a cornerstone of the MLK Commemorative Celebration, offering an opportunity to reflect on King’s legacy while strengthening community connections.

In addition to the keynote, great food and a welcoming ambiance, the dinner includes student speakers, musical performances and remarks by MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz and Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer Jabbar R. Bennett.

Highlighted events throughout the week

As in past years, the MLK Commemorative Celebration will feature a variety of events designed to encourage learning and interaction. Highlighted events include the following:

• Stuff the Library book drive, an initiative that supports literacy and community engagement, as well as a lunch and learn for students. Donate books, shop from an Amazon Wishlist or contribute funds to support the effort.

• Coffee and Conversation featuring LaShawn Harris, associate professor of history at MSU. This engaging discussion will focus on the contributions, challenges and legacy of Black women in civil rights, equity and social justice.

• The Legacy of Leadership Over the Decades, a student lunch and learn where alumni of the MSU Council of Racial and Ethnic Students and the Council of Advocacy and Marginalized Students will share wisdom for current and future Spartans on the journey to justice.

• College of Music’s “Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest” concert that offers a tribute through spirituals, reflective works and bold expressions of hope and justice.

• WKAR-hosted panel discussion, “Finding Your Voice with Your Vote,” will explore timely issues related to equity, justice and public discourse.

• “Why We March” exhibition at the MSU Main Library, which examines the historical and contemporary significance of marches and collective action in the pursuit of civil rights and social change.

• MLK Observance hosted by MSU medical colleges featuring a presentation by alumnus and radiologist Michael Henderson, a whole-person care champion and expert in cultural responsiveness and youth empowerment.

• University-Wide Diversity Research Showcase, which highlights research and creative work focused on helping shape a more inclusive world and provides a platform for scholars to encourage positive change across communities.

• Storytelling as a Pathway to Empathy, a virtual conversation with Maria Smilios, author of “The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis.” The discussion, hosted by the College of Nursing, will explore how storytelling can foster empathy and deepen our understanding of health equity.

Together, the events of the MLK Commemorative Celebration reflect MSU’s ongoing commitment to honoring King’s legacy through education, research and meaningful engagement.

Learn more

All events are open to the MSU community and the public. We encourage all members of the MSU community to participate in these events and honor King’s legacy. For a comprehensive listing of events, including registration and other details, please visit the MLK events calendar.