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Multicultural Student Affairs

MLK Campus Commemoration 2026

Join MSA and the entire NC State campus community as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19 to January 23, 2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Commemoration Week, coordinated by Multicultural Student Affairs, invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to engage the 2026 theme, “Lifting as You Climb: Honoring Legacy and Empowering the Future.” Grounded in Dr. King’s vision of shared responsibility and collectiveness, this week centers on growth through leadership, service, and mentorship while emphasizing the importance of bringing others forward along the way. Through intentional opportunities for learning, dialogue, creativity, and action, the commemoration encourages participants to reflect on how individual progress is strengthened when it remains connected to community care, intergenerational wisdom, and a sustained commitment to building pathways for those who follow.

This week’s events and all MSA-sponsored and hosted programs are open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members from all backgrounds. 

2026 MLK Intergenerational Keynote Panel

WHEN: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST. Reception to immediately follow.
WHERE:  Washington Sankofa Room 126, Witherspoon Student Center Registration Link

Our 2025 MLK commemoration discussants are:

  • Dr. angela gay-audre, Director, African American Cultural Center – Facilitator
  • CJ Jones, Student Leader
  • Caiden Smallwood, Student Leader
  • Dr. Courtney Hinton, Campus Health Medical Director, Board Certified Family Physician
  • Dr. Jason Miller, Distinguished Professor & Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor – Department of English
  • Dr. Jemilia Davis, Program Director, Human and Organizational Leadership Development and Clinical Assistant Professor at UNC School of Education | NC State College of Education Alumnae

Please contact multicultural@ncsu.edu with if you have any questions about the Keynote Panel

MLK Commemoration Events

Intergenerational Keynote Panel | 3pm, Washington Sankofa Room 126, Witherspoon Student Center

On Tuesday, January 20, the MLK Campus Commemoration will feature an intergenerational keynote session and a meet-and-greet with panelists embodying this year’s theme, “Lifting as You Climb: Honoring Legacy and Empowering the Future” This event invites participants to learn from speakers of different generations and engage in conversations highlighting the shared insights and connections that shape our campus community.

Chat N Chew Community Conversation and Dinner | 6:30pm, MSA Suite 4261 – Talley Student Union

On Wednesday, January 21, students and the NC State community members are encouraged to participate in the Chat & Chew: Sustaining Reciprocity. This gathering offers space for a meal and dialogue focused on how relationships are built and sustained within academic, social, and professional spaces. Participants will discuss what reciprocal support looks like in practice and how everyday choices can reflect the commitment to lift others while advancing one’s own path. This dinner-and-dialogue event is a partnership between Multicultural Student Affairs and the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Community Creative Workshop | 5:30 pm, Suite 4111 – Talley Student Union 

On Thursday, January 22, students can participate in the art & leadership workshop, “Illuminating the Climb,” where they’ll create artwork inspired by this year’s MLK Campus Commemoration theme. In partnership with AACC, MSA, Arts Village, Black Male Collective and Student Leadership and Engagement, this workshop invites students to explore their own leadership identities through reflection and creative expression. Participants will explore how we can lift others as we pursue our own growth, use our hands to build, create, and support, and our light to inspire and guide.

Documentary Film Screening: Origin of the Dream | 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Auditorium, James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Centennial Campus

On Thursday, January 22, the Auditorium, Hunt Library on Centennial Campus, will host a screening of Origin of the Dream telling the story of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s first-ever use of the phrase “I Have a Dream” (delivered nine months before the March on Washington), and documents startling new discoveries about how poet Langston Hughes served as the source of inspiration for King’s dream. After spending over twelve years researching Dr. King’s trip to Rocky Mount, NC on November 27, 1962, the full-length documentary film project about this historic visit has been completed by NC State’s Distinguished Professor W. Jason Miller and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Neal Hutcheson. Runtime 50 minutes.The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr. Miller, Cash Michaels, and Dr. Everett Ward.

This film screening event is organized and supported by the NC State University Libraries. Community members can register for this event via Eventbrite.

March Like Martin Event | 12:30pm, Stafford Commons to Harris Field 

On Friday, January 23, at 12:30 PM, join us for the March Like Martin event, starting at Stafford Commons and concluding at Harris Field. Honoring Dr. King’s call for unity and shared purpose. Participants are encouraged to reflect on engaging in intergenerational community and service to others, which contributes to a legacy that extends into the future. The event features a student keynote by student leader Danielle Moody that connects Dr. King’s message to the present moment, culminating in a community gathering. There will also be a musical performance by Ranky Tanky. Community members who register to attend this event will receive a commemorative T-shirt. This March Like Martin Event is a partnership with the NC State LIVE, The Gregg Museum, Fraternity and Sorority Life, African American Cultural Center, Arts NC State, and Multicultural Student Affairs.

March Like Martin Kickback | 3:00pm, AACC 355, Witherspoon Student Center  

On Friday, January 23, at 3:00 PM, all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus partners are invited to the MLM Kickback, a relaxed campus-wide gathering during the MLK Campus Commemoration, hosted by the African American Cultural Center AYA Ambassadors. The event features food, music, games, and opportunities for meaningful conversation in a welcoming environment that supports connection and reflection.

“Hands in Service, Hearts in Action” Days of Service | Various Locations and Times 

Students, faculty, staff, and campus partners are invited to participate in service projects with local organizations and on-campus efforts. These days emphasize shared responsibility in continued engagement. Participants will contribute time and care to strengthen community resources and support collective well-being.

See MLK Week Service Opportunities

MLK Planning Committee & Event Partners
Multicultural Student Affairs extends gratitude to the various campus and community partners who have helped plan and curate this week-long MLK Campus Commemoration 2026. Partners representing the following units, organizations, and colleges were integral to the week’s success:

  • Arts NC State
  • African American Cultural Center
  • DASA Assessment
  • Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  • Women’s Center
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • University Housing
  • Student Centers
  • Rave! Catering
  • Student Leadership and Engagement
  • College of Engineering
  • University Libraries

As your organizations, departments, colleges, and offices begin finishing your planning for how you will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., please add your events to the university calendar and share a link to them with Dr. Jameco McKenzie at ljmckenz@ncsu.edu to be included in on our MLK Campus Commemoration Landing Page. 

A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Book List

Curated by Wynter Douglas (They/Them), African American Cultural Center Library Coordinator, January 2025

 In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. check out the African American Cultural Center Library’s collection of books about and by Martin Luther King jr and his family. This book list consists of books for people of all ages to share with one another as we reflect on and learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. 

Each item is hyperlinked to their library catalog entry. You can request these books online or come in person to check out or read these books in the African American Cultural Center Library in Witherspoon Student Center, 2nd floor – through the AACC Gallery!

Biographies on Martin Luther King jr:

  • King: a biography
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • Explore the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this critically acclaimed biography. This book also includes photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
  • The autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library
    • This  posthumous autobiography was woven together by Clayborne Carson using the essays, notes, letters, speeches, and sermons that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left behind. By showcasing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. using his own words, readers get an intimate glimpse into the man behind the legend and how he viewed himself and those around him.

 Books By Martin Luther King Jr:

     There are 141 books about Martin Luther King Jr. just in the AACC Library alone! Below are books written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself so that you can read about his first hand experiences, thoughts and ideas in his own words.

  • The radical King
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • These collected essays and speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. are curated to show a more holistic and nuanced understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values and philosophies.
  • The words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • This book is a collection of the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. curated by Corretta Scott King. It was created with the intention of it being a living memorial for him.
  • A testament of hope : the essential writings and speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • ‘A testament to hope’ is a curated collection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s writings, speeches, and sermons edited by the historian, educator, and minister James Melvin Washington.
  • The trumpet of conscience
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • A Collection of 5  orations that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave in 1967 for the annual Massey Lectures through the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). These orations are titled: “Impasse in Race Relations”, “Conscience and the Vietnam War”, “Youth and Social Action”, “Nonviolence and Social Change” and “A Christmas Sermon on Peace”
  • Where do we go from here: chaos or community?
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • This is the final book that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote. He was very intentional in doing a writing retreat so that he could focus on writing this book in Jamaica for a whole month. This item gives the reader insight into the progression or evolution of his philosophies as well as what he believed the path forward would be.
  • Why we can’t wait
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library  
    • This is the 3rd book that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.wrote. It focuses on the spring and summer of 1963 and the history of civil rights contextualized to the time he wrote the book. 

Books by and about the King Family:

     This year’s March like Martin theme highlights intergenerational community and connections. What better way to model that than through familial ties and relationships? Check out these books written by or about members of the King family:

  • Coretta Scott King : civil rights activist
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • Read about the life and activism of Coretta Scott King. In this book you’ll learn how she lobbied for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day to be a national holiday, and her integral civil rights work. Coretta Scott King is an exemplary example of how to forge forward towards a bright and more just future.
  • Growing up King : an intimate memoir
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library  
    • Dexter Scott King, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s son, writes about the impact his father and his fathers assassination had on his life. He explores his fight for justice for his father and his involvement in the King Center.

Books for young adults and children:

Did you know that the African American Cultural Center Library has a collection of children and young adult books? If you’re looking for books to read with your children check out these inspiring options:

  • Dear Martin
    • Available at the African American Cultural Center Library 
    • This juvenile fiction book confronts issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and racial inequity through the lens of a young Black teenager, Justyce. Justyce writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr chronicling his experience.

How to find more books:

To search the African American Cultural Center Library collection, visit the NCSU library catalog “Books and Media” and use the left hand side menu labeled “Library Location” and select “AACC Library”. Then you can use the search bar to explore the collection! Try searching for “Civil rights” or “solidarity” to explore a rich collection of Black culture, society, and history. 

Explore the Archive:

Visit the Special Collections Research Center at the NC State University Libraries to explore the rich history of celebrating and honoring Martin Luther King Jr. at NC State throughout the years!

https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/?q=%22Martin+Luther+king+Jr.%22

Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct accommodation requests to Dr. Jameco McKenzie at ljmckenz@ncsu.edu