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time-conStarting Time
10:00 am to 12:00 pm


date-iconDate
19 January 2026


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Ordway Center for Performing Arts



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MLK Jr. Day Celebration 2026

Honoring 40 Years of MLK Legacy

The 40th anniversary of Minnesota’s Martin Luther King Jr. legacy marked a powerful and memorable milestone. Across a series of events, community members, leaders, artists, and partners came together to honor Dr. King’s enduring vision of justice, equity, and beloved community.

While the journey required thoughtful pivots along the way, each moment reflected resilience, creativity, and deep commitment. Despite challenges, every gathering was meaningful and impactful—culminating in a virtual rally that was both inspiring and affirming, and setting the stage for continued engagement through a postponed in-person event still to come.

These moments reminded us that the MLK legacy is not confined to a single day or format; it lives through our collective ability to adapt, lead with purpose, and stay rooted in community.

Below is the recorded livestream from the anniversary programming. We invite you to watch, reflect, and share widely with those who were unable to join us live. This legacy deserves to be revisited—again and again.

Thank you!!

Watch MLK Day 2026:

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The-Burrage-Effect-Podcast-Ep.-1---Dr.-Stephanie-BurrageThe Burrage Effect Podcast
Check out The Burrage Effect Podcast, hosted by Dr. Stephanie Burrage, featuring Ashley Oolman. Ashley reminds us of the power of MLK Jr.’s 40th Anniversary Echoes of Unity. Together, they explore what unity requires of us, how leaders move beyond symbolism to action, and what it means to lead in a way that ignites “echoes.”

The Burrage Effect Podcast Ep. 1

Schedule

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Gathering for Service Day

  • Location: Various Locations
  • Audience: General Public
  • Program: Community-led gatherings for self-education, volunteerism, and acts of service

Thursday, January 15th, 2026, 10am - 2pm

Historical Landmark Tour: A Journey Through Civil Rights

  • Location: Minnesota Humanities Center, 987 Ivy Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
  • Audience: General public
  • Program: You’re invited to join the first-ever Minnesota Historical Landmark Tour—an exploration of our state’s most powerful civil rights and unity sites. In partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, this inaugural experience will carry participants on a discovery of cultural and historical landmarks that have shaped Minnesota’s pursuit of justice.
  • tickets-iconGet Tickets

Friday, January 16th, 2026, 10am - 2pm

Youth Summit: Solidarity & STEM for Systems Change

  • Location: Science Museum MN, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W, St Paul, MN 55102
  • Audience: Around 200 youth, grades 6-12, from selected schools in Minneapolis
  • Program
  • You’re invited to join middle and high school students from across Minnesota for a dynamic day of innovation, collaboration, and civic leadership. Dr. King reminded us, “Through our scientific and technological genius we’ve made this world a neighborhood. And now through our moral and ethical commitment we must make it a brotherhood. This Youth Summit harnesses that vision—bringing youth voices, STEM thinking, and solidarity into action for systems change.

Saturday, January 17th, 2026, 10am - 2pm

State Career Fair: Building Futures in Service

This event is postponed and will be rescheduled later this year.
  • Program: Dr. King Reminded us, "Whatever your life's work is, do it well." The One Dream, One Minnesota Career Fair, hosted by the State of Minnesota, is back by popular demand, part of a week-long celebration of Dr. King's memory and his mission, coordinated by the Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. This is your chance to explore career opportunities with the State of Minnesota and connect with representatives from multiple state agencies. Whether you’re actively job hunting, thinking about a major career change, or just want to network, this event is for YOU!

Sunday, January 18th, 2026, 1pm - 4pm

Community March: Uniting Across Difference

  • UPDATE (1/17/2026 1:00pm): In light of current events, plans for our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration have shifted, and the community march has been cancelled. We will continue to honor and celebrate Dr. King on Sunday, January 18, and will now gather for a virtual rally via Zoom. This virtual gathering will bring our community together to hear from community leaders, organizations, and elected officials, along with powerful performances that reflect Dr. King’s legacy and vision.M

    While we had hoped to gather in person, we invite you to join us virtually as we honor Dr. King’s life and work and recommit to putting his values into action.

    live-stream-icon Please register to attend the virtual rally

Monday, January 19th, 2026, 10am - 12pm

MLK Holiday Celebration

  • Location: Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St Paul, MN 55102
  • Audience: General public, elected officials, and community leaders
  • Program: Join us on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the grand finale of Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary MLK Holiday celebration—a closing show that brings together artistry, storytelling, and community honor under one roof. Reserve your seat and be part of a historic moment—when we stand together, our shared rhythm becomes the heartbeat of a more just and inclusive One Minnesota.
  • tickets-iconGet Tickets live-stream-iconLive Stream
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award_winneres_icon_whiteChange Maker Award Winners

The Martin Luther King Jr. Council proudly celebrate our Change Maker Award recipients.

The Change Maker Awards honor extraordinary leaders who drive meaningful progress and elevate communities through bold vision and dedicated services. We congratulate this year’s awardees for their outstanding leadership and lasting impact.

heatShot_Marcus_Carpenter
Marcus Carpenter
Fourth-generation Farmer and Founder of Route1MN

heatShot_Georgia_Fort
Georgia Fort
Independent Journalist, Filmmaker, and Founder, BLCK Press

HeadShot_Brother-Shane-Price
Brother Shane Price
Co-Founder/Director, The Power of People Leadership Institute

HeadShot_Chanda-Smith-Baker
Chanda Smith Baker
President & CEO, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

HeadShot_Mai-Thor
Mai Thor
Chief Program Officer, The Arc Minnesota

heatShot_Xavier_Vazquez
Xavier Vazquez
Executive Director, Centro Tyrone Guzman

Maps & Direction