Chris Holman welcomes back Elaine Hardy, Chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan.
Watch Elaine and Chris discuss how the MLK Commission advances justice year-round and what makes the 2026 MLK Day of Celebration unique in the YouTube Video shared below:
Q1: For listeners who may not be familiar, what is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan?
A: One of the nation’s longest-running, continuously operating MLK commissions A volunteer, community-based organization serving Greater Lansing and the Mid-Michigan region Advances Dr. King’s principles of justice, equality and nonviolence Works year-round through education, advocacy and community action — not just on MLK Day
Q2: Why has the Commission remained active and relevant for more than four decades?
A: Created to ensure Dr. King’s legacy remained active and meaningful beyond his lifetime Much of the work Dr. King called for — equity, opportunity and justice — remains unfinished Continues to respond to real community needs, including: Education Hunger Youth development Violence prevention Dr. King’s message remains urgently relevant today
Q3: What kind of work does the Commission do throughout the year?
A: Partners with community organizations, schools, faith groups and civic leaders Leads educational and youth-focused initiatives Offers scholarship and essay programs Engages in advocacy efforts and community conversations around justice and equity Plans and hosts the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration as its signature event
Q4: The annual MLK Day of Celebration is nationally recognized. What makes it so unique, and what should people know about the 2026 event?
A: Takes place Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Lansing Center Recognized as the nation’s largest MLK Day luncheon Draws more than 1,600 attendees each year and regularly sells out Brings together people of all ages and backgrounds for: Inspiration Music Reflection A call to action The 2026 event marks the 41st Annual Day of Celebration Coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first federally observed MLK Day in 1986 Tickets are available at mlkmidmichigan.com/tickets
Q5: What do you hope people take away from the 2026 Day of Celebration, and how can they get involved?
A: Attendees leave inspired — and understanding that inspiration must be paired with responsibility The 2026 theme, “Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream,” emphasizes action and collective commitment People can get involved by: Learning more at mlkmidmichigan.com Purchasing tickets Following the Commission on social media Encouraging schools, families and organizations to participate”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Announces
2026 MLK Day of Celebration
More than 1,600 expected at nation’s largest MLK Day luncheon
LANSING, Mich. – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan has announced plans for its 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration, to be held Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing.
Recognized as the nation’s largest MLK Day luncheon, the annual Day of Celebration brings together community leaders, students, educators, faith leaders and residents from across Michigan to honor the life, legacy and unfinished work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than 1,600 attendees are expected, and the event sells out every year.
While the Day of Celebration enters its 41st year, the 2026 luncheon coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first nationwide observance of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was established by Congress in 1983 and first observed in 1986. The milestone underscores both the longevity of the Commission’s work and the enduring national relevance of Dr. King’s legacy.
The 2026 theme is: “Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“For more than four decades, this celebration has brought people together to honor Dr. King’s legacy while challenging our community to live out his message,” said Elaine Hardy, chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan. “Marking both the 41st year of this event and the 40th anniversary of the federal holiday is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come — and how much work remains.”
Event Details
What: 41st Annual MLK Day of Celebration
When: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 | 11 a.m.
Where: Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
Tickets: mlkmidmichigan.com/tickets
The Commission is proud of the Day of Celebration’s longstanding reputation for attracting nationally respected voices who reflect Dr. King’s enduring commitment to justice, equity and civil rights. Past featured and keynote speakers have included Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, Freedom Riders Diane Nash and Henry “Hank” Thomas, Myrlie Evers-Williams, and former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder. Musical guests over the years have included Tamela Mann, CeCe Winans and Donnie McClurkin.
In keeping with that tradition, the Commission will again welcome a nationally recognized leader whose work reflects Dr. King’s call for justice and righteousness. Details regarding the 2026 keynote speaker will be announced at a later date.
In addition to keynote remarks and musical performances, the Day of Celebration will spotlight the Commission’s longstanding commitment to youth leadership and education through its scholarship and essay programs. Winners of the 2026 James W. Butler III & Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship and the Commission’s student essay contests will be formally announced and recognized during the luncheon.
Each year, the Commission awards significant scholarship funding to graduating seniors in the Greater Lansing area who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a deep understanding of Dr. King’s teachings. The essay contests, open to middle and high school students, encourage young people to reflect on the annual theme and share how Dr. King’s message applies to their lives and communities today. Together, these programs represent one of the Commission’s most meaningful investments in the next generation of leaders.
About the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan
Dedicated to advancing the principles and ideals of Dr. King, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan is the nation’s longest-running, continuously operating MLK commission. For more than four decades, it has been at the forefront of advancing Dr. King’s principles of equality, justice, and nonviolence. The Commission’s annual Day of Celebration is the nation’s largest MLK Day luncheon event, drawing people together in reflection, unity, and action. The Commission’s focus is on addressing pressing issues such as literacy, youth violence, hunger, mentoring, education, and community enrichment. Through a variety of impactful programs, initiatives, and events, the MLK Commission fosters positive social change and inspires individuals and communities to work toward a more just and equitable society. For more information, visit mlkmidmichigan.com or follow the MLK Commission on Facebook and Twitter.
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