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2026 MLK Keynote Celebration
Thursday, January 22, 2026
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA)
601 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Explore this year's lineup of activities!
More details will be added periodically as they are finalized and submitted
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VUU 48th Annual MLK Community Leaders Breakfast | January 16 | 7–10 AM | Richmmond Marriott, East Broad Street, Richmond, VA | Breakfast gathering celebrating Dr. King’s legacy through keynote reflections and awards presentation |
| MLK National Day of Service Kit Packing Party | January 18 | 9:30 - 1:00 PM | Firefly Hall located in Shineforth (former UMFS) 3865 Mastin Ln, Richmond, VA | Sylvia's Sisters will host two community Kit Packing Parties |
| MLK Day of Service x 2nd Presbyterian | January 19 | 9:30–12:30 PM |
2nd Presbyterian Church, 5 North Street, Richmond |
Volunteer needs: men’s winter items, gloves, hats, coats; manning tables |
| Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. MLK Silent Vigil | January 19 | 6:00 PM | Meet at Art Depot Broad St. | Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. |
| Family Night at the OAK Avenue Complex with Justice Dwight | January 20 | 6–8 PM | The Oak Avenue Complex | Join artist Justice Dwight for a fun, relaxing time creating with community. Bring your family to paint with others and enjoy good food and conversation. |
| Pizza and Politics: Legacy of Black Women’s Civic Engagement in the U.S. | Jan 20 | 4–6 PM | Cabell Library, Room 303 | A workshop exploring the history of Black women's civic involvement. Collaboration w/ NCNW |
| The Fierce Urgency of Now: An East End Community Dinner | January 21 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Health Hub at 25th | The Health Hub invites community members, partners, and residents to an evening of fellowship, reflection, and connection to celebrate community building and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| Difficult Conversations for Youth – Panel Series | January 21 | 6–8 PM | Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S Linden St., Richmond | Three-part youth development series equips young adults with essential life skills |
| MLK KEYNOTE Celebration | January 22 | 5–8 PM | ICA | Bring non-perishable donations for Ram Pantry food drive |
| Collages and Conversations with ART 180 | January 22 | 6:00 PM | Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S Linden St., Richmond | |
| VCU Health MLK Community Walk | January 24 | TBA | MCV Campus | — |
| VCU Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle 2026 Sankofa Pinning Ceremony | January 26 | 6:00–8:00 PM | University Student Commons, Richmond Salons | VCU Alumni’s third annual Sankofa Pinning Ceremony. Inspired by the Akan principle of sankofa, “to go back and get it”. |
| BHM: Echoes of a Dream | January 31 | 2–4 PM | Black History Museum | Documentary w/ Tyrone Nelson Jr. |
| Voices of the Movement: A Community Reflection Wall | TBA | TBA | TBA | Collaborative mural reflection activity |
| Student Panel Discussion | TBA | TBA | TBA | — |
| Ongoing Initiatives |
|---|
| Winter's Place x VCU: A Step Toward Change |
| Winter's Place Shoe and Book Drive |
| MLK x RPS Essay Contest |
Submit Your Event:
If you are hosting an event that reflects Dr. King’s commitment to justice, equity, service, or community empowerment, we want to help spread the word.
Please share your event details with us for inclusion in our university-wide advertising.
Questions?
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to engage@vcu.edu, cedrasmd@vcu.edu , or hamiltonae@vcu.edu