This gathering invites the community to honor Dr. King’s enduring call to service, justice, and moral courage by coming together with intention, humility, and action.
2026 MLK Keynote Celebration
Thursday, January 22, 2026
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA)
601 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Watch the MLK Keynote Celebration livestream, honoring the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Explore this year's lineup of activities!
More details will be added periodically as they are finalized and submitted
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLK National Day of Service Kit Packing Party | January 18 | 9:30 - 1:00 PM | Firefly Hall located in Shineforth (former UMFS) 3865 Mastin Ln, Richmond, VA | Sylvia's Sisters will host two community Kit Packing Parties |
| The Petersburg MLK, Jr. Annual Parade | January 19 | 9:00 AM |
Pocahontas Island in Petersburg, Va. |
The 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Petersburg, Virginia. For questions, Contact sheriffcrawford@me.com |
| Commemoration at the Black History Museum | January 19 | 9:00 AM |
Black History Museum 122 W. Leigh Street Richmond, VA 23220 |
|
| MLK Day of Service x 2nd Presbyterian (volunteer registration closed) | January 19 | 9:30–12:30 PM |
2nd Presbyterian Church, 5 North Street, Richmond |
Volunteer needs: men’s winter items, gloves, hats, coats; manning tables |
| MLK Silent Candlelight Vigil March: Volunteers Needed (Sign-up here) | January 19 | 6:00 PM | Meet at Art Depot on Broad St. and march to the MLK Silent Candle Light Vigil | Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Rho Chapter, and the Office of Special Programs. For questions, contact Carlton Goode / chgoode@vcu.edu |
| Family Night at the OAK Avenue Complex with Justice Dwight | January 20 | 6–8 PM | The Oak Avenue Complex | Join artist Justice Dwight for a fun, relaxing time creating with community. Bring your family to paint with others and enjoy good food and conversation. |
| Pizza and Politics: Legacy of Black Women’s Civic Engagement in the U.S. | January 20 | 4–6 PM | Cabell Library, Room 303 | A workshop exploring the history of Black women's civic involvement. Collaboration w/ NCNW |
| The Fierce Urgency of Now: An East End Community Dinner | January 21 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Health Hub at 25th | The Health Hub invites community members, partners, and residents to an evening of fellowship, reflection, and connection to celebrate community building and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| The Urgency of Now: Agency, Action, and the Student Movement | January 21 | 6-7 PM | Zoom(Virtual) | A virtual conversation with a digital activist who will explore how modern movements are cultivated online and translate insight into action |
| Difficult Conversations for Youth – Panel Series | January 21 | 6–8 PM | Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S Linden St., Richmond | Three-part youth development series equips young adults with essential life skills |
| MLK KEYNOTE Celebration | January 22 | 5–8 PM | ICA | Bring non-perishable donations for Ram Pantry food drive |
| VCU Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle 2026 Sankofa Pinning Ceremony | Postponed | New Date: February 2 | 6:00–8:00 PM | University Student Commons, Richmond Salons | VCU Alumni’s third annual Sankofa Pinning Ceremony. Inspired by the Akan principle of sankofa, “to go back and get it”. |
| Collages and Conversations with ART 180 | January 27 | 6:00-8:00 PM | Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S Linden St., Richmond | Unbreakable Minds & Nu Collar Solutions Parent Engagement Event |
| BHM: Echoes of a Dream | January 31 | 2:00-4:00 PM | Black History Museum | Documentary w/ Tyrone Nelson Jr. |
| Ongoing Initiatives |
|---|
| Winter's Place x VCU: A Step Toward Change |
|
Winter's Place Shoe and Book Drive
|
Submit Your Event:
If you are hosting an event that reflects Dr. King’s commitment to justice, equity, service, or community empowerment, we want to help spread the word.
Please share your event details with us for inclusion in our university-wide advertising.
Questions?
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to engage@vcu.edu, cedrasmd@vcu.edu , or hamiltonae@vcu.edu