Martin Luther King Jr. would have turned 97 on Jan. 15, 2026, if the course of history had not unfolded as it did.
This year, communities across the United States, including Evanston and Skokie, have scheduled events to commemorate King and pay tribute to his goal of bringing peace and racial and economic justice to the nation. The federal holiday honoring him is Monday, Jan. 19 this year.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration, 12 to 3 p.m., Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center,1655 Foster Street, Evanston. The program will include keynote speaker Northwestern University Student Brooks Lansana, Evanston’s Children’s Choir, The Musical Offering, MC4 singing group, Ayodele Drum & Dance, and singers Treasure and Jayla.
Sunday, Jan. 18
MLK candlelight vigil, 2 p.m. Alice Millar Chapel,1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, and livestreamed. The vigil keynote will be delivered by Charlie Dates, a Chicago pastor and advocate for social justice. He is founder of the local initiatives Progressive Center for Counseling & Justice, a hub for trauma-informed care and systemic transformation; the Black Boy Literacy Campaign, a citywide movement to help 1,000 Black boys reach grade-level reading by age 10; and the Spend in the Black Commerce Corridor, which channels strategic investment into Black-owned businesses on Chicago’s South Side. The program also features a performance by Northwestern Community Ensemble.
Monday, Jan. 19
“Community Volunteering for Teens” event, 2 p.m., Skokie Public Library, 5215 W. Oakton St., Skokie. Learn about local agencies making a difference and engage in meaningful projects during an afternoon of volunteering.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
MLK keynote event, 5 p.m.,Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall at Northwestern University, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. The MLK Commemoration 2026 keynote event will feature a panel of experts comprised of Northwestern faculty and community leaders who will break down the concept, practice and possibilities of Dr. King’s call for a “Beloved Community.” The panel will be moderated by Sylvester Johnson, professor and chair of Black Studies. Panelists include Leslie Harris, professor of history; Kate Masur, John D. MacArthur Professor of History; Morris “Dino” Robinson, founder of Shorefront Legacy Center and production manager at Northwestern University Press; and Laurice Bell, executive director, Shorefront Legacy Center. The event also features a performance by Northwestern’s Soul4Real a cappella group. Register at northwestern.edu/mlk/
Friday, Jan. 23