West Chester University Announces 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Commemoration Events
West Chester University will host its 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Commemoration from Jan. 21-27, 2026, featuring a week of reflection, service, celebration and dialogue honoring Dr. King’s legacy and his call for justice and service. All events are open to students, faculty, staff and members of the general public.
The commemoration begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, with a student-centered kickoff event from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Sykes 252. The program is designed to engage student leaders and aspiring leaders. Dinner will be served, and space is limited. Register on RamConnect.
On Thursday, Jan. 22, WCU will host its annual MLK Day of Service at 10 a.m. in Sykes Ballroom, featuring a toy cleaning and inspection project for toys from the St. Agnes Day Room. Cleaning supplies will be provided. The event is hosted by WCU’s Division for Access, Compliance, and Engagement and the Center for Community Engagement and Social Impact. The event will run until 1 p.m. or until the project is completed.
The Society of WCU will host its Annual MLK Awards Ceremony and Reception on Friday, Jan. 23, from 12-1:30 p.m. in Sykes Ballroom. The ceremony will recognize recipients of the Drum Major for Justice, Larry Dowdy Community Service, and Outstanding Student Organization Service awards.
The week continues with Movie Monday on Jan. 26, encouraging the campus community to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy through a curated list of films highlighting themes of equality, justice, and resilience. The list can be found online.
The commemoration concludes on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with a virtual closing keynote address by Hill Harper at 3 p.m. Harper is an award-winning actor, four-time New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized youth advocate whose work spans film, television, public service, and social justice.
For more information about WCU’s 2026 MLK visit www.wcupa.edu/mlk/.