Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance invites us to pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to his enduring legacy and the transformative power of his work.
The national theme for King Day this year is “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” This theme calls us to reaffirm our commitment to confronting injustice, choosing compassion over violence, and leading with love.
Nearly 63 years ago, on Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. A quarter of a million people gathered to demand economic and civil rights, while millions more watched on television. Dr. King’s message continues to resonate today. View the speech below.
MLK Day Events
In keeping with LMU’s mission and commitment to service and justice, and in the spirit of Dr. King’s message, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in a day of service on campus and throughout the Los Angeles area.
LMU Events
Panel Discussion: Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy
Sunday, Jan. 18 | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Life Sciences Building, Auditorium
The African American Catholic Center for Evangelization and the Center for Religion and Spirituality present a celebration of Dr. King. This event presents an opportunity to share valuable insights, experiences, and viewpoints about the challenges and responsibilities we face in upholding the core values of freedom, justice, and democracy for the benefit of generations to come.
MLK Day of Service 2026
Monday, Jan. 19 | 10:30 a.m. – Noon and 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Pam Rector Center for Service and Action will host an MLK Day of Service at the Westchester YMCA.
- 10:30 a.m. – Noon | Make care packages for the El Segundo Fire Department
- 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Paint the new Creative Space at the YMCA
MLK Day Celebration: A Radical Revolution of Love
Tuesday, Jan. 20 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Robert’s Auditorium
LMU’s OBSS and Campus Ministry invite you to join us for our annual celebration honoring the life and lasting legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his commitment to selflessness, service, and social justice.
During the event, three awards will be presented to staff and students who exemplify these values: the King Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations making significant contributions to civil rights and social justice on a national scale; the MLK Community Advocate Award, which celebrates LMU faculty, staff, or alumni who embody King’s vision through their work and commitment to equity and justice within the university community; and the MLK Emerging Leader Award, which honors a student demonstrating exceptional leadership and initiative in advancing Dr. King’s dream of equality, peace, and justice within their community.
L.A. Community Events
L.A. Works’ 2026 MLK Day Volunteer Festival
Monday, Jan. 19 | Noon – 4 p.m.
L.A. Memorial Coliseum
3911 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
From wildfire recovery and supporting displaced families to standing with immigrant communities facing deportation, we come together this MLK Day of Service to advance Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. Our shared efforts remind us that healing and justice are not achieved alone; they grow when people show up for one another.
California African American Museum
Monday, Jan. 19 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Exposition Park
600 State Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Join CAAM at King Day 2026, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with a performance by Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, discussions with the King Study Group, family activities, and food trucks throughout the day.