Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration: The Annual Celebration

Overview

Description

The 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration honors the legacy of Dr. King and the impact he has made on those who carry the torch for humanity. The theme of the Commemoration is “Pressing Our Way: Striving for Change ” and is based on the quote: “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle.” The Commemoration will occur on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Graham Chapel on the Washington University Danforth Campus. Livestream will be available here for those unable to attend in person. The event is free and open to the public.

Speakers will include Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, PhD. and Da’Juantay Wynter, WashU class of 2026, John B. Ervin Scholar, and Undergraduate Representative to the Board of Trustees.

The commemoration will also include a presentation of the “Rosa L. Parks Award for Meritorious Service to the Community.”

There will be student performances by Black Anthology, the Unending Praise Gospel Choir, and the Washington University Chamber Choir. Ashton Lee, President of the Student Union (SU) and AnnLauren Djoko, President of the Association of Black Students (ABS) will be co-hosts.

Community Service Project

Please join us before the commemoration for a community service project from noon – 2pm in Tisch Commons located within the Danforth University Center (DUC). We will be partnering with Campus Life and the Cross Cultural Connections (CCxN) office to assemble hygiene kits for youth in the Ritenour School District, care packages for the unhoused, blankets for area animal shelters, and cards for local senior citizens. Light refreshments will be provided.

More Information

Website:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration: The Annual Celebration

Contacts and Location