SAVE THE DATE: JANUARY 19-24, 2026

Schedule

January 19, 6 p.m.

The 40th Annual MLK Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action

Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids

This community gathering is a powerful launchpad for the next chapter of King’s enduring vision. Artistic performances and speakers will highlight the event. This is a movement for every neighbor, leader, student and family. It’s an invitation to define your legacy by committing to service and standing up for justice, equality and peace.

January 20, 10 a.m.

Keynote Speaker Derrick Johnson

Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, will kick off GVSU's week of events commemorating the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A native of Detroit, Johnson has served as NAACP president since 2017. A longstanding leader of the NAACP, Johnson has helped guide the organization through a period of re-envisioning and reinvigoration. 

January 21, 4:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker Dar Mayweather

Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room

Dar Mayweather, ’07 and ’09, is a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In that role, Mayweather empowers college students to identify their unique talents and articulate those strengths to industry leaders, ensuring they secure jobs or graduate school placements before graduation.

Additional Events

January 21, 4 p.m.

Silent March, participants assemble at Zumberge Hall, walk to Kirkhof Center

January 22, 6-8:30 p.m.

Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Health Campus
Kaufman Interfaith Institute will host a table-talk event that will explore some of the spiritual frameworks for nonviolent resistance that influenced or were influenced by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 24

MLK Day of Service and Solidarity, coordinated by the Office of Student Life - Civic Engagement

Visit gvsu.edu/mlk for updates and more information.
MLK Commemoration Week is led by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture.