SMSU to Host MLK Events Throughout January

Published Monday, January 05, 2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 19

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at SMSU is hosting a variety of events in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The federal holiday is Monday, January 19, 2026. Programming will be held throughout the month of January. This year’s theme is “Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” and features educational and volunteer opportunities to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Events include the Vernon Jordan Documentary Screening (in-person) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00-1:15pm in CH104. Free and open to all. No registration required.

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a virtual screening of the Vernon Jordan Documentary will be available at 12:00-1:15pm via Zoom. Sign up required to participate in the Zoom. Register at: qrco.de/vernonjordan

Clothing and Food Drive will be held from January 12-23

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is sponsoring a Food and Clothing Drive for the Mustang Market during SMSU’s MLK Observance. Items can be brought to the ODI Office (SC 231) from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23. Refer the Mustang Market’s website for donation ideas: www.smsu.edu/campuslife/mustangmarket

“I Have a Dream” Reflection Space in SC 235 will be available January 12-23, Monday - Friday from 9:00am-5:00 pm. MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as other notable speeches given in the 1960s related to the Civil Rights Movement will be available for listening and reflection. Short questions and prompts will be around the space to encourage participants to leave their reflections for others to see. Visitors are welcome to stop in and reflect as frequently as they like. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the space.

Volunteer opportunities have been a traditional part of SMSU’s MLK Day programming. This year individuals can sign up for a number of service projects and programs:

SMSU Mustang Market: Assist in shelf stocking and organizing food donations.
Lyon County Museum: Help with organization in the storage room.
UCAP Kitchen Table and Food Shelf- Marshall, Tracy, or Westbrook: Assist in shelf stocking, unloading truck deliveries, and packing food requests
UCAP Free Tax Clinic: Provide administrative support by helping clients schedule appointments.

Visit www.SMSU.edu/go/MLK for specific dates, days, and times of availability at each volunteer location. #MLKDAY2026