2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
The 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration invites the UH community to come together to honor the life, legacy, and impact of one of the most influential civil rights leaders in history: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Through a dynamic series of events hosted by campus departments and student organizations, this celebration is more than a remembrance, it’s a call to move forward with purpose. This year’s theme, Hope: The Foundation for Action, reminds us that hope isn’t passive; it’s powerful. It fuels change, strengthens community, and inspires action.
As you participate, explore Dr. King’s story through his biography, a civil rights timeline, or a visit to the MLK Gallery. Then take it a step further by attending events and engaging in service projects over the next few weeks, on your own or alongside others!
Let hope guide you, and let action be the way you carry it forward.
MLK Jr. Celebration Events
MLK Gallery Exhibit
A month-long collection of historical photos and visual displays honoring Dr. King’s
life, milestones, and legacy. Open for self-guided reflection throughout the celebration
period.
- Location: Student Center South, Shasta Lounge
- Time: All Day
MLK Celebration BBQ
A community BBQ offering food, fellowship, and a welcoming space to honor Dr. King’s
legacy together. Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
- Location: Lynn Eusan Park
- Time: 11am - 2pm
Free Wednesday Lunch
A fellowship-centered lunch at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center, giving the UH community
an opportunity to gather, share food, and reflect on unity. Hosted by A.D. Bruce Religion
Center.
- Location: A.D. Bruce Religion Center
- Time: 11am - 1pm
BSU Slam Poetry Night
Hosted by the Black Student Union, join us for a powerful evening featuring student
poets uplifting Black expression, resistance, joy, and creativity.
- Location: Student Center South, Houston Room
- Time: 6pm - 8pm
SPB Movie Night: Harriet
A screening presented by the Student Program Board, highlighting themes of courage,
justice, and collective action tied to Dr. King’s legacy.
- Location: Student Center South, Theater
- Time: 6pm - 8:30pm
CSAC CommUNITY Program: MLK Game Night!
A fun, interactive evening of games and community-building activities celebrating
Dr. King’s ideals of connection and togetherness.
- Location: Student Center South, Multipurpose Room
- Time: 5pm - 7pm
MLK Commemorative Celebration
Commemorate the life and legacy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by attending the University of Houston’s annual MLK Commemorative Celebration featuring Marc Lamont Hill, cultural anthropologist, critical policy scholar, and cultural educator.
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill will deliver a keynote in a podcast-style format, beginning with an opening message followed by a conversational dialogue with UH students exploring this year’s theme. The program will also include opportunities for engagement, Q&A, and light bites and refreshments. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged. Registered student organizations and campus departments are encouraged to sponsor a table by bringing eight (8) guests to this free event.
- Location: Student Center South, Ballroom
- Time: 4pm - 5:30pm
MLK Day of Service
A campus-wide volunteer initiative encouraging students to honor Dr. King by engaging
in meaningful service projects. Hosted by Metropolitan Volunteer Program.
- Location: Meet at Student Center South, Ballroom
- Time: TBD