Martin Luther King Celebration
2026 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Events Series
Murray Library Black Achievement:Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Inspiring the Future Display
Display in Library for the Month of January & February
Young people can make a difference and have done so for generations. In January and February, Murray Library's display cases will highlight the children, teens, and young adults who fought hard for justice and equality in our country during the American Civil Rights Movement. We will also host a special exhibit about the impact of material culture on the Civil Rights Movement between January 30 and February 4.
Friday, January 16, 2026
- SAB Lost Films featuring Just Mercy
- Parmer Cinema, Boyer Hall
- Friday at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
- SAB Lost Films featuring Just Mercy
- Parmer Cinema, Boyer Hall
- Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this year’s MLK Lost Film, Just Mercy, that tells the story of Walter McMillian and his wrongful death row conviction for the murder of an 18-year-old girl that he did not commit. This film tells McMillian’s story through the lens of his lawyer, Bryan Stevenson—the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative and the author of the award-winning book, Just Mercy, as he seeks bring justice to those wrongfully incarcerated through his work as a lawyer. Additionally, this film features this year’s MLK guest speaker, Anthony Ray Hinton, who was also exonerated of a wrongful death row conviction through the work of Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative. We hope to see you there!
Monday, January 19,2026
- Observance of Holiday
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- MORNING CHAPEL- 9:30-10:15AM
- Our annual Tuesday morning chapel honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will feature renowned tenor Christyan Seay, combined choirs, and current Messiah University student leaders bringing excerpts of Dr. King's sermons.
- EVENING CHAPEL -Anthony Ray Hinton
- Parmer Hall, 7:00 p.m.
Featuring guest speaker Anthony Ray Hinton. His story is a decades-long journey to exoneration and freedom. In 1985, after being wrongly convicted of two murders in Alabama, Mr. Hinton was sentenced to death and spent 30 years on death row. With the assistance of the Equal Justice Initiative led by attorney Bryan Stevenson, Mr. Hinton was released from prison on April 3, 2015. He has become an advocate for reform in America’s criminal justice system. Serving as a community educator for the Equal Justice Initiative, Mr. Hinton has traveled the world sharing his story and discussing the changes that need to be made to prevent similar injustices from happening to other people. In 2018, he published The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and is a New York Times bestseller.
This is a free ticketed event. Tickets are available through the Box Office. There will be a book signing following the lecture.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Featured Lottie Meal at Lunch "MLK's Favorites"
- Menu: Fried Chicken, BBQ Brisket, Hoppin' John, Braised Collard Greens and Cabbage, Macaroni and Cheese, Cornbread Muffins w/ Hot Honey Butter, Southern Style Sweet tea, Traditional Warm Bread Pudding
- DAY OF SERVICE ACTIVITY -Martin Commons 4:00-5:30 P.M.
In honor of Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity, the Agapé Center will partner with Hope Walks to offer a service project on Wednesday, January 21st from 4:00-5:30 PM in Martin Commons. Hope Walks seeks to free children, families, and communities from the burden of clubfoot – providing free and holistic care for families impacted by this treatable disability. Join us in painting braces for children diagnosed with clubfoot in countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Paint Night w/ Virgil Angeles 6:00pm-8:00pm
The Mighty Stream of Voting
Inspired by the Prophet Amos, the ministry of Dr. King was driven by the pursuit of justice that "rolls down like water" and righteousness "like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24.) Our paintings will merge the symbolism of water and the power of justice and righteousness as they influence change in the present.
Our purpose is to reflect together on the vision and Christian ministry of Dr. King for the purpose of encouraging and cultivating a deeper commitment to be God's agents of justice, peace and reconciliation.
Sponsored by: Multicultural & International Student Programs, Office of Diversity Affairs, Agape Center, Campus Ministries, Multicultural Council, Murray Library, Learning Technology Services, Dining Services, Student Activities Board, and Office of Student Engagement.