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Celebrating the life and legacy
MLK Commemoration
The Northwestern University community celebrates Dr. King with an expanded special commemoration including events and projects throughout the month to inspire reflection on Dr. King's life and legacy.MLK Commemoration 2026 Keynote Panel: Our Beloved Community
The MLK Commemoration 2026 Keynote will feature a panel of experts comprised of Northwestern faculty and community leaders. The panel will be moderated by Sylvester Johnson (Chair and Professor of Black Studies, Northwestern University), in conversation with Leslie Harris (Professor of History, Northwestern University), Kate Masur (John D. MacArthur Professor of History, Northwestern University), Morris “Dino” Robinson (Production Manager, Northwestern Press and Founder, Shorefront Legacy Center), and Laurice Bell (Executive Director, Shorefront Legacy Center). The Keynote will break down the concept, practice and possibilities of “Beloved Community” and be livestreamed from the Evanston Campus to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
When: January 20, 2026 at 5:00pm CST, with a reception to follow
Where: Mary B Galvin Recital Hall,
70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Event is free and open to the public!
Unmaking Segregation Recording
MLK Commemoration Keynote Recording
More on the annual MLK Commemoration at Northwestern
Celebrating Together
The Northwestern University began observing this day as a community in 1987.
This year's program
Join us on both campuses for events, speakers and special programming.