Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
In collaboration with partners on campus and in the community, SIUE's Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub hosts a luncheon in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Highlights of the luncheon include keynote speakers, musical performances and the awarding of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards: SIUE Student Scholarship; Humanitarian Award(s); and Youth Essay, Poetry and Visual Arts Contest (for local youth).
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for the awards, outlined in the tabs on this page, throughout the fall semester. Applications are now open! All applications close on Tuesday, November 25th at 12:00pm CST.
The 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2026!
The theme for this years' Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is The Power of the Dream: Becoming an Agent for Change. This theme represents a shift from reflection to action. While Dr. King's dream continues to inspire, this theme calls individuals to realize that dream through intentional work in justice, inclusion, and equity. For many, there is a clear and growing desire to move beyond words into action.
We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker for the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz! Dr. Shabazz is the daughter of Civil Rights leaders Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. She is an award-winning Author, Educator, and Producer. She has authored five historical novels, served as a project advisor for the PBS award-winning documentary Prince Among Slaves, and is currently producing a television series based on her latest publication, The Awakening of Malcolm X, in partnership with Sony Pictures Television's TriStar.
She is the Chairperson of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center Board of Trustees. In her work to preserve the legacy of her parents, she has dedicated herself to institution-building and intergenerational leadership development with the tenants of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Shabazz has furthered her community impact with the City University of New York's office of Academic Affairs and the Office of the Mayor in Mount Vernon. She founded and produced a young adult development program to provide historical context on social justice. As president and founder of Ilyasah Shabazz Enterprises, she produced a variety of forums dedicated to power, possibility, and sovereignty.
Dr. Shabazz is the inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Fellow at Worcester State University in Worcester, Massachusetts where she teaches the course, "We The People". Founded in the commitments of her parents, Dr. Shabazz emphasizes empowerment and inclusion in her teaching and scholarship.
Tickets to Attend the Celebration
Ticket sales are now open! Ticket sales will close on January 14, 2026.
Tickets can be purchased individually for $40 each or a table can be purchased for $280. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. More details on sponsorships can be found on the Become a Sponsor tab to the left.
SIUE departments and offices interested in making ticket or table purchases can contact the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub at MLKCelebration@siue.edu or 618.650.2686.
Save the Date! The 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10:30am)
If you have any questions, please email MLKCelebration@siue.edu.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
As part of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we have a chance to show our local communities what we know is true; SIUE values service and community. Make plans to be part of SIUE's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service!
Plans are being made for service opportunities in all 4 communities where SIUE is located - Alton, Belleville East St. Louis, and Edwardsville.
If you are interested in volunteering or having your organization be a host site for the MLK Day of Service, please the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub at KimmelHub@siue.edu.