The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day City-County Observance

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provided by Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition of Madison and Dane County

A close-up of Marc Lamont Hill.

Marc Lamont Hill

The theme of this year's state celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is “The Power of Unity,” a concept that is as timely as ever in 2026. Starting at noon in the Capitol Rotunda, host Jonathan Øverby welcomes journalist Ahmed Baba as the keynote speaker, along with the presentation of the 2026 MLK Heritage Awards, and music by the Victory Travelers, Brianna Ware-Boggs and Becca May Grant. It's broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio. The annual city-county celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day gets underway at 5:15 p.m. with a Freedom Songs Sing-Along. The program at 6 p.m. features the presentation of the 2026 MLK Humanitarian Awards, the MLK Community Choir, and a keynote by author and media commentator Marc Lamont Hill. Related events kick off with a free community dinner from 4:30-7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at UW Gordon Dining and Event Center; for more events honoring Dr. King, see mlkingcoalition.org.

media release:  The Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition of Madison & Dane County is honored to announce plans for a series of Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observances that will culminate with the 41st Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance. 5:15 PM Freedom Songs, 6:00 PM Observance, at Overture Center-Capitol Theater.

The King Coalition is excited to welcome 2026 MLK Day Keynote Speaker Marc Lamont Hill, a nationally recognized scholar, author, and media commentator whose work champions racial justice, education, and global solidarity. Hill serves as Presidential Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center and founded The People’s Education Center and Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, blending academic insight with grassroots activism. He has hosted programs on BET and HuffPost Live, contributed to CNN and MSNBC, authored eight influential books, and has been named one of Ebony’s 100 most influential Black leaders.

Hill’s connection to Dr. King’s legacy runs deep. He has delivered keynote addresses for MLK commemorations at institutions such as Milton Academy and the University of Michigan and spoken at events like Princeton Theological Seminary’s “The Power of Protest: From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter.” In recent years, Hill has urged audiences to honor King through radical action and resistance, emphasizing that true tribute means continuing the fight for justice. His layered engagement with MLK’s legacy ensures an inspiring and highly relevant 2026 MLK Day celebration.

The observance will also feature the presentation of the MLK Humanitarian Award by City of Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. The program will also feature the MLK Community Choir led by Leotha and Tamera Stanley and a call to action.

Honorees

Armaad Jamaal Eubanks

Jamaal Eubanks, a proud south side Madison native, is the founder of Eubanks Solutions, an educational consulting business impacting over 500 students. His efforts in mentoring and educational equity include authoring "The Determination to Succeed" and organizing The Determination to Succeed Back to School Summit. Currently pursuing his doctorate in educational leadership, Jamaal focuses on bridging educational gaps among African American male students.

Dr. Justice Castañeda

As executive director of Common Wealth Development, Dr. Justice Castañeda's work revolves around housing, economic development, and violence prevention. With significant roles in shaping local policy, Justice focuses on racial and economic equity in Madison’s neighborhoods. His extensive research and leadership illustrate his commitment to community transformation and justice.

Gift Akere

A freshman at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Gift Akere is pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. An alumnus of the Maydm Internship Program and a talented musician, Gift uses his passion for music to build community bonds. His contributions as a Teen Teacher at WYSO Music Makers reflect his dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a sense of community.

There is no cost to attend. Tickets are not required.

More King Coalition events:

Join the: MLK Community Choir, Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM | Saturday, January 17, 11:00 AM. Both rehearsals are at Mt. Zion Baptist Church | 2019 Fisher Street

The MLK Community Choir has been an integral part of the official Madison & Dane County King Holiday Observance for many years. The Choir is unique in bringing together community members regardless of musical background for the purpose of performing at this event. It is directed by acclaimed musicians Leotha and Tamera Stanley. No audition is required. To join the Choir community members simply need to attend two rehearsals:

MLK Free Community Dinner: January 16, 2026, 4:30 – 7:00 PM | Gordon Dining & Event Center, 770 W. Dayton St.

Kick-off the King Holiday weekend with fellowship and the annual MLK Free Community Dinner. Dinner served buffet style will include fried and baked chicken, mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, sweet potato pie, and more. Join us and share a wonderful meal with friends, old and new, in Dr. King’s spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood!

MLK Ecumenical Service: January 18, 2026, 4:30 – 6:00 PM | First Baptist Church

Join us to promote the “beloved community” through spiritual inclusivity. The MLK Ecumenical Service joins people together from diverse religious traditions, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities and political beliefs in the spirit of brotherhood/ sisterhood to honor Dr. King’s dream of social justice and equality. It also seeks to develop the “beloved community” through spiritual inclusivity and recognition of our shared humanity.

MLK Youth Call To Service: January 19, 2026, 12:00 – 5:00 PM | Madison Central Library

The King Coalition, in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison, City of Madison, Dane County, MSCR, Madison Out of School Time (MOST), Madison Public Library, and others is pleased to invite middle school youth to attend the MLK Day Youth Call to Service. Engaging workshops, lunch, and an event t-shirt will all be provided at no cost.

Registration is limited to youth groups serving middle school youth. Space is limited. RSVP here by Jan. 14. For more information, please contact Andrew Schilcher at aschilcher@ulgm.org.