Martin Luther King Jr Day is on Jan. 19, and institutions across metro Detroit are celebrating the late Civil Rights leader with a variety of special events. Here’s a look at what’s going on. (Note: Some events are taking place before Jan. 19 and are listed in chronological order.)
U-M Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium
The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is hosting most of its MLK Day events on Jan. 19, but its symposium kicks off on Jan. 15 with the lecture “Afro-Brazillian Political Activism and Representation” hosted by the department of Romance languages and Literatures. The keynote lecture on Jan. 19 will take place at the U-M Detroit Center and feature two speakers: Donzaleigh Abernathy, an American actress, author, civil rights activist, and the goddaughter of Dr. King; and Derrick Johnson, the 19th president and CEO of the NAACP. Jan. 15 and 19. Some events are free to the public, while others require tickets. Various locations at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and off campus; oami.umich.edu.
“Women of the Movement: Then and Now” – A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wayne State University’s annual event celebrating Dr. King will also serve as a celebration of key women involved in the Civil Rights Movement. These women also were the wives of leaders who were tragically assassinated: Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, and Merle Evers-Williams. This event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Keisha N. Blain, professor of Africana studies and history at Brown University. Additionally, the event will also include a performance by jessica Care moore, Detroit poet laureate and Wayne State alumna. Jan. 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Event is free to attend, but requires attendees to RSVP. Community Arts Auditorium, 450 Reuther Mall, Detroit; Wayne.edu
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is hosting three days of events honoring the legacy of Dr. King that include film screenings, performances, and other interactive exhibits. Admission and parking will be free at the museum on Jan. 19. The museum will honor MLK Day by unveiling the living room chair Dr. King sat in while watching President Lyndon B. Johnson deliver his 1965 “We Shall Overcome” speech. Among the programs scheduled is the original play The Beginning of the Boycott, which chronicles Rosa Parks’ arrest and the subsequent Montgomery Bus Boycott. Also taking place during the weekend celebration is a free screening of The Vote, a documentary by The Bending the Arc Project about expanding voting rights in the 1960s. Jan. 17-19. Program and performance times vary. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org.
MLK Celebration: Let Freedom Ring
This public event hosted by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson celebrates the life of Dr. King by honoring six social justice stewards. This year, those honorees include retired Senator Debbie Stabenow; Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; DTE Energy President and CEO Joi Harris; actor, musician, and playwright Jeff Daniels; Alkebu-Lan Village founder and CEO Marvis Cofield; and Covenant House Michigan, with CEO Megan Dunn accepting on their behalf. In addition, there will be performances by The Dr. Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop and Brazeal Dennard Chorale. Jan. 19. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Motown Museum: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The iconic Motown Museum is celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. with immersive tours that will teach you about Motown’s role during the Civil Rights Movement. You’ll also get the chance to listen to some of Dr. King’s iconic speeches — including one recorded and released by Motown’s Gordy Label — and explore the Black Forum Label. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and run every 30 minutes through 5 p.m. Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. $20 for adult admission, with youths 17 and under free when accompanied by a paid adult. Motown Museum, 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; motownmuseum.org.
MLK Day at The Wright
The theme of this year’s day-long celebration at The Wright is “We Who Believe in Freedom.” It will explore and honor Dr. King’s remarkable life and his commitment to justice, equality, and peace. The day will begin with a prayer breakfast that features a program with a keynote address from Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. Other events at The Wright include a screening of Eyes on the Prize – The Time Has Come, family-friendly historical reenactments, performances, and much more. Jan. 19, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets required for some events, prices vary. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; thewright.org.
MLK: His Dream. Our Action
Eastern Michigan University will celebrate the life of Dr. King with a series of events throughout the week. EMU’s MLK President’s Luncheon on Jan. 19 will be emceed by WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 anchor Glenda Lewis and will feature a keynote address from Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House Press Secretary for President Joe Biden. Also among the week of activities is the MLK Celebration Annual Basketball Game where the Eastern Michigan Eagles will take on the Toledo Rockets. Jan. 19-23. Some events are free to the public, while others require tickets. Various locations at Eastern Michigan University, 900 Oakwood St., Ypsilanti; emich.edu.
“A Day On, Not a Day Off” – MLK Jr. Day of Service 2026
The cities of Royal Oak, Clawson, and Berkley are holding a joint Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Members of the community will gather at Clawson High School for a freedom walk and donation drive. The donation drive is collecting non-perishable food, toiletries, household items, children’s items, and gently used clothing, toys, stuffed animals, and more. Following the walk, service projects will begin at Clawson High School, including making blankets, community art project, sorting donations, making cards, and more. Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Clawson High School, 101 Phillips Ave., Clawson; romi.gov.
22nd Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March
Gather at St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Detroit at noon for an MLK Day march. This year’s event recognizes six decades of mass movements in Waawilyatanong (Detroit) and around the world. The event will continue to build the movement against war, genocide, hate and fascism, and for human needs and human rights. A community meal will follow the rally and march. Jan. 19, 12 p.m. St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit; mlkdetroit.org.
Macomb County Ministerial Alliance’s Annual MLK Fellowship Breakfast
The Macomb County Ministerial Alliance hosts a breakfast to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. In addition to breakfast, this year’s event, which is themed “Chaos or Community,” includes a musical performance by world renowned gospel artist Lisa Page Brooks and a keynote address from Bishop Dr. Corletta Vaughn, President of the Detroit Board of Education and Presiding Prelate of Holy Ghost Cathedral of Detroit. Jan. 19, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $50/per person or $400/per table. Penna’s of Sterling Heights, 38400 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights; mcma86.com.
Southfield’s Annual MLK Day of Peace Walk & Celebration
Presented by The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc., this is the City of Southfield’s 41st annual MLK Day of Peace Walk and Celebration. It all kicks off at 9 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield with the peace walk that arrive at the Southfield Pavilion around 11 a.m. (Peace Walk participants must RSVP at mlktaskforcemi.org.) Following the walk, participants can enjoy a variety of activities at the Southfield Pavillion, including a keynote presentation by the Selma Foot Soldiers. Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, and Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield; mlktaskforcemi.org.
This post has been updated for 2026.
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