Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As part of this commemoration, the University of Hartford will host its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Program on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. in Lincoln Theater. This year's theme, "Strength to Love, Courage to Act," calls on the community to live Dr. King's message by centering love as a transformative force and courage as a necessary response to injustice.

This year's observance will feature keynote speaker Jay Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation. Drawing on the 2026 theme, Williams will challenge community members to lead with courage and compassion their own lives.

The observance will also include the presentation of the University's 2026 MLK Beloved Community Awards, which recognize members of the community whose leadership and service embody Dr. King's vision of belonging, equity, and collective care.

The annual observance offers community members an opportunity to pause and reflect on the work, sacrifice, and impact of Dr. King, and affirm our shared responsibility to help build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.

The program is free and open to the public. To register, click below.