University of Utah - MLK Week 2026
Theme: “The Time Is Always Right to Do What Is Right”
Saturday, January 17 - Thursday, January 23, 2026
This year’s theme reminds us that justice, compassion, and moral courage are not bound by convenience; they demand action now. MLK Week 2026 centers on what it means to choose what’s right through service, education, art, and community collaboration.
Saturday, January 17
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 17
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday Service Projects are events hosted by the Bennion Center intended to support local community organizations through single-day direct engagement efforts. Join students, staff, faculty, and community members in supporting local organizations in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's dedication and commitment to community engagement and service.
Food Provided (Snacks will be available for all volunteers!)
Theme Connection: Doing what is right means showing up for others through service.
Monday, January 19
4:30 p.m.
Monday, January 19
4:30 p.m.
Immediately following the MLK Week rally and march, experience the awe-inspiring movement of Ailey II!
- Theme Connection: Art as a language of justice and hope.
Tuesday, January 20
7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 20
7 p.m.
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Theme Connection: Celebrating courage, leadership, and moral action.
Thursday, January 22
Thursday, January 22
- Theme Connection: Honoring youth who take right action and lead with purpose.
- Submit your essay here: 2026 MLK Week Student Essay Submission Form
Saturday, January 17
12 p.m.
Saturday, January 17
12 p.m.
- U of U vs. TCU
- Theme Connection: Collective presence and unity through action.
Monday, January 19
All day
Monday, January 19
All day
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Theme Connection: Innovation as the practice of doing what’s right for the future.
Wednesday, January 21
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Reservations are NOT required. Walk-ins are welcome!
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There will be swag and snacks for all who come by.
- FREE PARKING for donors. Simply message Kendall Van Horssen on Teams OR email him at kendall.vanhorssen@utah.edu, and he'll send you the parking code.
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Theme Connection: Giving now — because saving lives is always the right thing to do.
Saturday, January 24
12 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, January 24
12 - 5 p.m.
- Theme Connection: Meeting community needs is always the right thing to do.
Monday, January 19
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, January 19
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Theme Connection: The time is always right to march for justice.
Tuesday, January 20
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 20
12:00 p.m.
The Time is Always Right to Do What Is Right:
A Live Podcast with Dr. Andrea N. Baldwin on Working for Civil Rights Today
Live podcast will start promptly at noon
Thursday, January 22
2:00 - 3:20 pm
Thursday, January 22
2:00 - 3:20 pm
Bringing together Salt Lake City Dance Artists to discuss their lived experience of continuing MLK’ s dream, and how they envision the dream continuing in the future of American Dance.
Moderated by Associate Professor Joselli Audain Deans
Interested in being a part of MLK Week at the U?
Sister Events
What is a sister event?
Created as a companion to our signature event line-up, sister events bring the same spirit of community, collaboration, and joy. They offer a unique space put together by partnerships and collaborations from offices, departments, and organizations that create space for participants to gather, share experiences, and continue meaningful conversations centering the MLK Week theme. Sister event help create a fuller, more connected experience where community is not only found but built.
Want to host an MLK Week event at the University of Utah?
- Access to University Marketing
- Be part of the MLK Week Committee to gain community and promote education
- Sister Event Sign Up Form
For more U of U Events, please visit culture.utah.edu.
Our Planning
Committee
MLK Week is planned partnership with many organizations across the University of Utah and surrounding community.
