Events to commemorate 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Penn State campuses

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Events and activities honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. will be held over the next few weeks at several Penn State campuses. The theme for 2026 is "Undaunted Hope."

Penn State is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Events and programs are open to all regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or any other protected class.

Penn State University Park

51st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet - Thursday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center, ticketed event. Hosted by the Forum On Black Affairs. Join us for an evening of remembering King's legacy as we gather in community with musical entertainment by Penn State students, a spoken-word tribute, and recognizing the 2026 recipients of the Fannie Lou Hamer - W.E.B. Dubois Service Leadership Scholarship. More information and tickets for the banquet are available here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon - Friday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., ECoRE 201 Common Area. An opportunity for students, faculty and staff to come together as a community over casual lunch in recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Sponsored by the colleges of Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Information Sciences and Technology, and the National Society of Black Engineers, Penn State Chapter. Register for the MLK Jr. Day luncheon here.

MLK Jr. Day of Service - Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. HUB-Robeson Center. Join us in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by volunteering at our annual MLK Day of Service. The service event encourages individuals to volunteer in their communities and embody King's legacy of service, social justice and equality by participating in activities to help the local community. The day is considered a "day on, not a day off," dedicated to constructive community action. Student organizations can sign up as a group, as well. Learn more about the MLK Jr. Day of Service and register at this link.

MLK Jr. Memorial March - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 3:30-4:45 p.m., meet at MLK Jr. Plaza in downtown State College. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial March will begin at 3:45 p.m. Members of the community can gather at the MLK Plaza in downtown State College at 3:30 p.m. Before the march, there will be inspirational messages by State College Mayor Ezra Nanes and others. This march will end at the HUB-Robeson Center before a panel discussion at 4:45 p.m. in Freeman Auditorium. RSVP for the MLK Jr. Memorial March at this link.

MLK Jr. Panel Discussion - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4:45 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Freeman Auditorium. After the march and a brief intermission, State College and Penn State community members are invited to remain for a panel discussion in the HUB-Robeson Center's Freeman Auditorium. Moderated by Penn State students Deja Workman and Noa Harlow Diggs, this panel discussion will feature Randall Maurice Jelks, Ruth N. Halls Professor at Indiana University-Bloomington; Wade Fulton Dean, community success and belonging specialist at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center; and Tracey Mariner, councilwoman of State College, who will endeavor to bridge the mid-20th-century freedom movement and King's enduring legacy with the socio-political shifts that animate our contemporary moment. Immediately after there will be a social reception at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. RSVP for the panel discussion at this link (same registration as the memorial march).

"Dilemmas of Democracy: A Conversation with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe" - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Music Recital Hall and virtual. Join National Public Radio's Ayesha Rascoe for a student-led conversation about democracy, journalism and engaging in dialogue across differing views. What is it like to report on the White House? What challenges face public broadcasting? Rascoe will talk about how her role as a journalist has impacted her understanding of democracy and politics, and how she approaches conversations with people she disagrees with. This student-led conversation is free and open to the public. A dessert reception and book-signing will follow the discussion. Parking is available at the Nittany Deck. Reserve your free ticket for the conversation with Rascoe here. The conversation also will be livestreamed for those who cannot join in person.

MLK Jr. Poetry and Performance - Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center, Lion's Lair. Join us in the Lion's Lair Lounge for an evening of poetry, prose and performances to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. There will be music, readings, movement and more with students, staff and community members. Featured performances include the winners of the Alpha Phi Alpha Oratorical Competition and more. RSVP for "MLK Jr. Poetry and Performance" at this link.

"Razing Liberty Square" film watch and discussion - Wednesday, Jan. 21, 7-9 p.m., online. Join us for a screening of the film "Razing Liberty Square," and a post-film discussion featuring Marc Miller, associate professor of landscape architecture, and Clarissa Albrecht, lecturer in architecture. The film looks at the phenomenon of climate gentrification - formerly neglected and segregated communities being displaced by wealthier communities seeking locations safer from climate change. It focuses on residents of Liberty Square in Miami, Florida, built in the 1950s as the first segregated public housing project in the U.S. and now subject to outside developers trying to displace the longtime residents to build luxury apartments. The screening and discussion will take place online on Zoom. Learn more and RSVP to secure a spot for "Razing Liberty Square" film watch and discussion.

"A Musical Tribute to MLK Jr." - Friday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center, Freeman Auditorium. The Penn State University Student Leadership Initiative and Center for the Performing Arts will welcome Noire, Spelman College's contemporary popular music ensemble, for a special performance as part of the University's weeklong celebration honoring King's work and legacy. Founded in 2017, Noire brings together undergraduate vocalists and instrumentalists who reimagine popular music through original arranging and production. Under the direction of Christina Butera and Assistant Director Britni Ruff, the ensemble is celebrated for its innovative, genre-fluid programming and dynamic stage presence, centering the music of Black artists, women and other historically underrepresented voices. The program also will feature performances by the United Christian Campus Ministry Choir and Penn State's acclaimed choral ensemble, Essence of Joy, making this concert a powerful musical tribute to King's enduring call for a more just world. RSVP for "A Musical Tribute to MLK Jr." at this link.

Movie Screening: "King In The Wilderness" - Saturday, Jan. 31, time TBD, HUB-Robeson Center, Freeman Auditorium. Hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and Martin Luther King Student Coordinating Committee, "King in the Wilderness" chronicles the final chapters of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, offering an intimate portrait of a leader navigating intense criticism from across the political spectrum. This screening invites viewers to engage more deeply with King's legacy by grappling with the complexities, courage and convictions that defined his final years. RSVP for the screening of "King In The Wilderness" at this link.

"The Light We Carry" -Jan. 28, noon-1:30 p.m. The College of Health and Human Development Office for Diversity and Inclusion will honor Martin Luther King Jr. through a reflective storytelling event titled "The Light We Carry." This college-wide event will connect storytelling with self-reflective principles, to go beyond a one-day symbolic observance. Attendees can join in person at 110 Henderson Building and via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Penn State Berks

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet - Tuesday, Jan.20, 5:30-7 p.m., Multipurpose Room (Room 007), Perkins Student Center. Join us for an uplifting night of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a keynote speech from Gretchel Hathaway, first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Franklin and Marshall College, as well as student performances, awards recognition and a delicious meal. This year we are recognizing three students and two faculty members for their leadership, community service and social justice advocacy. This event is open to all Penn State Berks students, faculty, staff and community members. RSVP for the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service - Thursday, Jan. 22, 12:30-3 p.m. at Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank in Berks County. This service project is sponsored by the Student Engagement and Leadership Office to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. For additional information, contact Jeff Gerstein at [email protected].

Penn State Brandywine

"King's Dream" production - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 12:10-1:10 p.m., Student Union 114-117. "King's Dream" is an enthralling live performance and multimedia presentation offering a rousing tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

"Soul in Service" - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Student Union Lion's Den. Create handcrafted heart bracelets and handmade, heart-shaped cards that will be donated to a local hospital, local childcare, elderly care facility and local partners.

CityTeam community service - Saturday, Jan. 24, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Join us for Hope Café, a dignifying dining experience for our unhoused neighbors. Volunteers will decorate the dining room and provide multi-course meal service and companionship. Contact Tina Brackett-Wood ([email protected]) or Kenneth Murphy ([email protected]).

Penn State Harrisburg

'I Have a Dream' High School Basketball Classic - Monday, Jan. 19, noon-6 p.m., Capital Union Building gym. Penn State Harrisburg will host its second annual MLK Day "I Have a Dream" High School Basketball Classic. The event will celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through community, competition and service. The event will feature six local high school teams: Noon, girls' game, McCaskey vs. Susquehanna Township; 2 p.m., girls' game, Bishop McDevitt vs. Central Dauphin; and 4 p.m. boys' game, Central Dauphin vs. Central York. Admission is free. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to local food banks.

MLK Day Play: "The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper" - Saturday, Jan. 24, 2-4:30 p.m., Student Enrichment Center, Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre. Penn State Harrisburg's School of Humanities, in partnership with the Sankofa African American Theatre Company, will present its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day play. This year's production, "The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper," explores the life and legacy of the influential 19th-century writer, abolitionist and activist. This performance, sponsored by the Kulkarni Cultural Series, is free and open to the public. The play will also be performed on Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg. Reserve your tickets for "The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper" here.

Penn State Hazleton

"Race, Rationalization, and Humanness: A Look into the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." - Friday, Jan. 16, 12:10-1:10 p.m., Center for Multicultural Engagement, 103 Butler. Join guest speaker Alonzo "AJ" Jones, a higher education professional with more than 25 years of experience helping students succeed, for a program chronicling King's life while in college, his journey to Montgomery, the passing of the Civil Rights Act, and the five years after the "I Have a Dream Speech" concluding with his assassination on April 4, 1968. Free lunch. Students, faculty and staff must register by 5 p.m. on Jan. 15 to attend.

Penn State Lehigh Valley

MLK Day of Service - Monday Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 219 N. 6th Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Join the Penn State Lehigh Valley student, faculty and staff community as they come together for a day of service at the Sixth Street Shelter. Optional lunch after. Registration is required.

"The Road To Freedom," a multimedia performance - Wednesday, Jan. 21, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Room 135, Penn State Lehigh Valley. A video and music performance by Key Arts Production will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. A free lunch will be served. Registration is not required.

Penn State Scranton

Penn State Scranton MLK Day Celebration and Excellence in Diversity Awards - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the View Cafe, in the Study Learning Center. Members of the campus and local community are invited to attend the celebration, with this year's theme, "Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way." Guest speaker will be Amber Viola, a Northeastern Pennsylvania resident who is a mother, veteran, social worker and community activist, and host of the podcast "Politics but make it Fashion" and is the first Black female commander of the Gouldsboro American Legion Post 274. Her talk, titled "Volunteerism," will focus on the role of service in strengthening communities and creating positive social change. In addition to the keynote address, Penn State Scranton will present two Excellence in Diversity Awards during the program. The awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion and who have made meaningful contributions to creating a welcoming community. Registration is encouraged and requested by Friday, Jan. 16.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre

"I Have a Dream" Wall - Tuesday, Jan. 20, to Friday, Jan. 23, Student Commons, Room with a View. To honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the school is hosting a collaborative "I Have a Dream" Wall event, encouraging students to reflect on King's powerful message of nonviolence, justice and equality. From Jan. 20 to Jan. 23, students are invited to write or draw their personal dreams for a better school, community, and world on sticky notes and post them to a designated display wall. This interactive exhibit will serve as a visual testament to our collective aspirations and the power of individual voices coming together to shape a more hopeful and equitable future, keeping King's vision alive through student action and reflection.

"I Have a Dream" Celebration - Tuesday, Jan. 20, noon-1 p.m., Student Commons, Room with a View. This event is a chance to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful message and explores how we can continue his work toward justice and equality. Come learn about the impactful experiences and life of this extraordinary leader, engage in meaningful discussions, and share your own vision for a better world by contributing to our collaborative "dream chain" that will be displayed on campus for the month of February. We will be serving up free fried chicken as we come together in the spirit of fellowship and community that King championed.