Northwestern’s MLK commemoration to reflect on the practice and possibilities of ‘Beloved Community’

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Northwestern's MLK commemoration to reflect on the practice and possibilities of 'Beloved Community'

Public events include annual candlelight vigil on Jan. 18 and keynote panel event Jan. 20

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University's annual commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will pay tribute to King's vision for a "Beloved Community" with events and projects planned throughout the month. All events are free, and several are open to the public.

The programming kicks off Sunday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. with the MLK candlelight vigil. Hosted annually since 1979 by the Alpha Mu Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the vigil will be held in the Alice Millar Chapel. The vigil address will be delivered by Pastor Charlie Dates, senior pastor of both Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago and the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.

The 2026 keynote event, featuring a panel of experts comprised of Northwestern faculty and community leaders, will break down the concept, practice and possibilities of "Beloved Community." The event takes place Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at Galvin Hall. A reception at the Segal Visitor's Center will follow. The keynote event is free and open to the public. Register online on the Northwestern MLK website.

The panel will be moderated by Sylvester Johnson, chair and professor of Black studies. Panelists include Leslie Harris, professor of history; Kate Masur, John D. MacArthur Professor of History; Morris "Dino" Robinson, production manager at Northwestern University Press and founder of Shorefront Legacy Center; and Laurice Bell, executive director of Shorefront Legacy Center.

"As we close out 2025, we eagerly look ahead to a dynamic panel discussion from scholars and community experts reflecting on the impactful events, trends and shifts that shaped this year," said Michelle Manno, associate provost for community enrichment. "We will explore how our current moment relates to a vision popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

Additionally, a full slate of programs is being hosted on the Chicago campus of Northwestern. Highlights include a panel discussion on confronting homelessness featuring a panel of health equity and legal experts (Wednesday, Jan. 21 at noon); a dramatic reading of "The Lawndale King" by Chicago's Collaboraction theater (Thursday, Jan. 22 at noon); and the annual oratorical contest (Friday, Jan. 23 at noon).

Public programming is as follows:

Public events on the Evanston campus:

MLK candlelight vigil
Sunday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.
Alice Millar Chapel and livestreamed
1870 Sheridan Road

The vigil keynote will be delivered by Dr. 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. A free will offering will be collected for the March of Dimes.

MLK keynote event
Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m.
Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall
70 Arts Circle Drive
Reception to follow in the Segal Visitor's Center
Register online here.

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.

Chicago campus programming:

Oratorical Contest
Friday, Jan. 23, noon - 1 p.m.
Watch the virtual competition here.

Northwestern students enrolled in a full-time program (except for Ph.D. students and student-athletes) are invited to participate in the 2026 Oratorical Contest. This year's topic is "MLK and The Poor People's Campaign: Have We Progressed or Fallen Behind in the Fight for Economic Equality?" The top three contestants will be awarded a scholarship ranging from $200 to $500. View the guidelines and submission instructions here.

Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] no later than noon on Thursday, Jan. 15.

For more information, visit Northwestern's MLK website.