Name: 41st Annual Madison-Dane County MLK Day Observance
Start: 2026-01-19T17:15:00-06:00
End: 2026-01-19T19:30:00-06:00
Location: Overture Center for the Arts

41st Annual Madison-Dane County MLK Day Observance

41st ANNUAL MADISON & DANE COUNTY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE
With keynote speaker Marc Lamont Hill, the MLK Community Choir, 2026 MLK Humanitarian Award Announcements, and more.
Join us for the 41st Annual City/County MLK Day Observance! This year, we are honored to welcome award-winning scholar, author, and media commentator Marc Lamont Hill—a national leader whose work champions racial justice, education, and global solidarity. Hill’s deep connection to Dr. King’s legacy and his calls for radical action make this year’s event a must-attend for all who are inspired by King’s vision.
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Location: Overture Center Capitol Theater
Schedule:
5:15 PM – Freedom Songs in the Overture Rotunda
5:45 PM – Capitol Theater Doors Open
6:00 PM – Program Begins
The celebration will feature the MLK Community Choir, with musical direction by Leotha and Tamera Stanley, and the presentation of the 2026 MLK Humanitarian.
Admission is free and open to everyone—no tickets required!
About Our Guest Speaker: Marc Lamont Hill
Marc Lamont Hill is a Presidential Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, founder of The People’s Education Center and Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, and an influential media voice across BET, CNN, MSNBC, and more. Named one of Ebony’s 100 most influential Black leaders, Hill brings unique insight and passion to the ongoing struggle for justice, inspired by Dr. King’s enduring call to action.
Sing with the MLK Community Choir!
No audition necessary—just a love for music and unity! Join rehearsals to be part of this uplifting experience:
When: Tuesday, January 13, 6:30 PM & Saturday, January 17, 11:00 AM
Where: Mt. Zion Baptist Church | 2019 Fisher Street
Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy together through song, community, and a renewed commitment to justice. Mark your calendar, invite friends and family, and help us make this 41st annual observance the most inspiring yet!