MLK Day Celebrations

The Dream in Action:
Honoring the Legacy from Movement to Action

January 19, 2026 to January 31, 2026

Nazareth University is honored to host a variety of programs and events to celebrate and commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Breakfast

Monday 1/19/26 | 8-9:30am | Shults Reading Lounge

Join student leaders for some light breakfast in the reading lounge as we reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Workshop with Dr. Cedrick Michael Simmons

Tuesday 1/20/26 | 12:10-1pm | Shults Forum

Join us for lunch and a workshop with Dr. Cedrick Michael Simmons, a faculty member in our Sociology department.

Register

MLK Table at Wellness Wednesday

Wednesday 1/21/25 | 12-12:45pm | Health & Counseling Walkway

Visit us at Wellness Wednesday to learn about King for a Day (a day of advocacy and action), get a sweet treat, and make your very own MLK button with the Library Makerspace!

MLK Jr. Campus Commemoration

Thursday 1/22/26 | 12:10-1pm | GAC Linehan Chapel

Join us for a campus-wide commemoration including voices of students, staff, and faculty. We will have a keynote address from Torrence Sparkman around the theme of honoring MLK's legacy and movement through action and compassion.

Shabbat for Justice

Friday 1/23/26 | 5:30-7pm | George Hall Sulam Center

Join Nazareth Hillel for a special Shabbat for Justice celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., Day.

After a brief inclusive Shabbat service with special readings exploring Jewish teachings about racial justice and activism, we will share a delicious Shabbat dinner and good conversation. The service will begin at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6:00.

All are welcome!

Community Partner Workshop

Tuesday 1/27/26 | 12:10-1pm | Shults Forum

Members of the Gandhi leadership team will be speaking on how Dr. King’s work and teachings are a core part of the Gandhi Institute's mission, how they see his dream in action through their programming and community work, and how the Naz community can get involved.

Register

MLK Table at Wellness Wednesday

Wednesday 1/28/26 | 12-12:45pm | Health & Counseling Walkway

Visit us at Wellness Wednesday to learn about King for a Day (a day of advocacy and action), get a sweet treat, and get some great swag!

SSJ Civil Rights Journey Share Out

Thursday 1/29/26 | 12:10-1pm | GAC 38

Come and learn about the meaningful experiences students and staff have on the Civil Rights Journey, a Solidarity and Social Justice Retreat sponsored by the Center for Spirituality. The Civil Rights Journey takes Nazareth community members through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee to learn about the Civil Rights Movement in the spaces where it happened, from leaders and activists involved in the Movement and still involved in the struggle for equality and inclusion. Learn about the places, ideas, and experiences that inspired participants and how they are working for change in our world today! Lunch will be included.

King for a Day: The MLK Day of Action and Advocacy

Saturday 1/31/26 | 8:30am-1pm

Each year local Rochester colleges and universities come together with local organizations to honor the life and work of the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and contributors to the civil rights movement through a day of advocacy and action. Open to everyone, this event is a way to celebrate community, build relationships, and support a worthy cause through acts of advocacy and service. This year we will convene at the Stardust Ballroom at Edgerton Rec for a community building kick-off event featuring speakers and performances from local leaders including college students from around the area. Transportation from Nazareth is provided!

Register now to indicate which service site(s) you prefer and whether you seek transportation in a campus van or are van-certified and able to drive a campus van.

If you have any questions, please contact the Weider Community Engagement office.

Register

MLK 1
Naz MLK Library Books

Naz MLK Library Books

Access a guide of MLK-related books available in the Nazareth library!

MLK Poster

MLK 2026 Poster

Here are all events happening for our two weeks of MLK programming!