2026 Commemoration Week Events

Grand Valley's MLK Commemoration Week is led by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture.

The 40th Annual MLK Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action
Monday, January 19, 6 p.m.
Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids

This community gathering is a powerful launchpad for the next chapter of King’s enduring vision. Artistic performances and speakers will highlight the event. This is a movement for every neighbor, leader, student and family. It’s an invitation to define your legacy by committing to service and standing up for justice, equality and peace.

 

Keynote Speaker Derrick Johnson
Tuesday, January 20, 10 a.m
Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, is a native of Detroit. Johnson has served as NAACP president since 2017. A longstanding leader of the NAACP, he has helped guide the organization through a period of re-envisioning and reinvigoration. 

 

Silent March, Valley Campus
Wednesday, January 21, 4 p.m.

Join GVSU leaders, students, faculty and staff for a silent march through the Allendale Campus. Participants will assemble at Zumberge Hall and end at the Kirkhof Center, in time for the keynote presentation.

 

Keynote Speaker Dar Mayweather
Wednesday, January 21, 4:30 p.m.
Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room

Dar Mayweather, ’07 and ’09, is a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In that role, Mayweather empowers college students to identify their unique talents and articulate those strengths to industry leaders, ensuring they secure jobs or graduate school placements before graduation.

 

King In Conversation: The Spiritualities of Non-Violence
Thursday, January 22, 6-8:30 p.m.
Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences

This table-talk-style event will explore some of the spiritual frameworks for nonviolent resistance that influenced or were influenced by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the event, we will see the threads shared among figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. A light dinner will be provided.  

 

Saturday, January 24, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
MLK Day of Service and Solidarity, coordinated by the Office of Student Life - Civic Engagement
Details here

 

All events are free and open to the public. Grand Valley’s MLK Commemoration Week Executive Planning Committee is committed to a policy of equal access to programs, facilities and services. If you require additional assistance or accommodations, contact the Division of People, Equity, and Culture at (616) 331-2151.