‘Fierce urgency of now’ powers upcoming MLK events at VCU

By Amelia Heymann

Inspired by the words of the civil rights legend, Virginia Commonwealth University has scheduled an array of programs from Jan. 16-31 to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Monday is the federal holiday that honors King, who would have turned 96 this month but was assassinated in 1968 at age 39. VCU's Division of Community Engagement and its MLK Planning Committee, made up of representatives from across the university and community partners, have organized numerous events for the formal MLK Week 2026 next week, though programming extends on both sides of that span.

The guiding quote from King for this year's slate is: "We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now."

Here are the highlights of this year's programming. A complete list and more details can be found at MLKday.vcu.edu.

Jan. 19 - MLK Silent Candlelight Vigil March

6 p.m. start at the Art Depot (814 W. Broad St.)

Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Theta Rho Chapter) and the Office of Special Programs. For questions, contact Carlton Goode at [email protected].

Jan. 20 - Pizza and Politics: Legacy of Black Women's Civic Engagement in the U.S.

4-6 p.m. in Cabell Library auditorium (901 Park Ave.)

The discussion-based workshop will explore the history and future of Black women in American politics. Participants include Richmond City Council member Nicole Jones, former Councilwoman Michelle Mosby and Tyee Mallory, current president of the RVA National Council of Negro Women.

Jan. 21 - The Fierce Urgency of Now: An East End Community Dinner

5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Health Hub at 25th (1330 N. 25th St., Suite A)

Highlights include a catered dinner from The Underground Kitchen, community storytelling, performances by the Music Orchard Richmond and community networking. The event is capped at 40 participants.

Jan. 21 - The Urgency of Now: Agency, Action, and the Student Movement

6-7 p.m. via Zoom

Join a virtual fire-side chat with a digital activist exploring how modern movements are cultivated online. This event will bring students together to translate insight into action.

Jan. 21 - Difficult Conversations for Youth

6-8 p.m. at the Mary and Frances Youth Center (120 S. Linden St.)

This three-part youth development series equips young adults with essential life skills. The first session is "Purpose - Self-Discovery and Social Capital."

Jan. 22 - MLK Keynote Celebration

5-8 p.m. at the Institute for Contemporary Art (601 W. Broad St.)

This event will celebrate King's life and legacy while exploring the concept of thriving communities that encompass VCU faculty, staff, students and community partners. The evening will feature conversations with community leaders and opportunities for connection through art, music, food and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item for the Ram Pantry food drive and/or a coat for the annual coat drive.

Jan. 26 - VCU Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle 2026 Sankofa Pinning Ceremony

6-8 p.m. in the Commons, Richmond Salons (907 Floyd Ave.)

Inspired by the Akan principle of sankofa - "to go back and get it" - the ceremony honors the past and empowers the next generation. Shawn Utsey, Ph.D., of the Department of Psychology will be the keynote speaker and discuss growth, identity and legacy.