2026 Commemoration Week Events

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

Monday, January 19, 6 p.m.
The 40th Annual MLK Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action
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.

 

Tuesday, January 20, 10 a.m
Keynote Speaker Derrick Johnson
Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room, Zoom webinar link will be available

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. 

 

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

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.

 

Wednesday, January 21, 4:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker Dar Mayweather
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.

 

Thursday, January 22, 6-8:30 p.m.
King In Conversation: The Spiritualities of Non-Violence
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. Panelists for the event are Carolyn White, Elliot Ratzman and Gail Presbey. Joe Jones will serve as moderator. A light dinner will be provided. RSVP for this event here.

 

Saturday, January 24, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
MLK Day of Service and Solidarity
Students will listen to keynote speaker Damon Arnold, then be bused to partner organizations to volunteer. The event is 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.