Celebrate MLK Jr. Day with Community Events

Post Date: 01/12/2026 6:01 PM

MLK Jr. Day of Celebration

January 17  |  Noon–3 p.m.  |  Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

The city will host a free commemorative celebration of MLK Day, honoring the young activists who have played a role in civil rights. The program will include performances from young people from the Evanston community and a keynote address from Northwestern University Student Brooks Lansana, Evanston’s Children’s Choir, The Musical Offering, MC4 singing group, Ayodele Drum & Dance, and singers Treasure and Jayla

Book Launch Celebration: Protecting a Dream 

January 17  |  2 p.m.  |  Levy Senior Center

Celebrate the release of Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan’s new children’s book, Protecting a Dream: The Life and Legacy of Chief Bill Logan and His Historic Moments with Dr. King. The book is about his father, William “Bill” Logan Jr., the first Black police chief of Evanston and a longtime community leader. The free event, moderated by Robin Rue Simmons, will include the participation of Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart and her sister, Beloit, Wisconsin Police Chief Schonella Stewart.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Concert

January 18  |  3 p.m.  |  Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago

An annual tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this celebration features performances by Music Institute students and community partners, a keynote by Dr. Jonathan Bailey Holland of Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music, and a world premiere composition commissioned in collaboration with Hearing in Color. The program highlights diverse musical voices and includes performances and participation from local youth, arts organizations, and community groups. Reserve your free tickets.

Interfaith Action Walk for Warmth  

January 19  |  11 a.m.  |  First United Methodist Church

Join Interfaith Action of Evanston’s Walk for Warmth on Monday, January 19, at 11 a.m., led by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Mayor Daniel Biss, and community leaders. The family-friendly walk raises funds for an overnight shelter and begins with a short program at First United Methodist Church honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Free and open to all. Learn more and register.

Y.O.U.’s Annual Diverse Communities United 

January 19  |  2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  |  Second Church of Christ

Diverse Communities United (DCU) is Y.O.U.’s annual, youth-led celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Centered on the 2026 theme “A Better World Is Possible,” the free event features youth performances, original artwork, and reflections that highlight the creativity and voices of young people across Evanston, bringing the community together to celebrate justice, hope, and youth leadership. Learn more.

YWCA’s I Have a Dream: A Walk Into Your Future Career Event

January 16  |  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  |  YWCA Evanston/North Shore

Celebrate MLK Jr. Day weekend with a family-friendly event for District 65 families focused on career exploration and saving for your child’s future. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities that spark curiosity, while parents learn about the Savings for Success program and other financial planning resources. This event is open to District 65 families with kindergarten and 6th-grade students. Light refreshments provided. Learn more and register.

Evanston Public Library Events

Each year, Evanston Public Library honors MLK Jr. Day with a spirit of service, learning, and reflection. On the holiday, the Library hosts a Day of Service, inviting the community to come together in the shared work of giving back. All month long, curated booklists and thoughtful displays highlight Dr. King’s life, legacy, and enduring call for justice, equity, and community.

MLK Morning of Service

January 19  |  10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  |  Main Library

Honor Dr. King’s legacy by stitching reusable sanitary pads for Girls 4 Girls Ghana, with 20% supporting Evanston residents experiencing homelessness. All supplies provided; no experience needed. Participants are encouraged to bring a pack of maxi pads. Open to grades 3–12 and adults. Registration required. Donations of pads or underwear are also welcome through MLK Day. Learn more.

MLK Day for Kids

January 19  |  10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  |  Main Library

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a family-friendly MLK Day for Kids in the Main Library Children’s Department. Enjoy a free kids book giveaway, drop-in crafts and activities, short films, and a hands-on service project supporting Letters of Love. The day concludes with a special interpretation of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by Reverend Eddie Reeves, followed by a brief Q&A. Activities run 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. while supplies last and are designed for children ages 3+ with caregivers. More info. 

MLK Afternoon of Service

January 19  |  2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  |  Main Library

Honor Dr. King’s legacy by stitching reusable sanitary pads for Girls 4 Girls Ghana, with 20% supporting Evanston residents experiencing homelessness. All supplies provided; no experience needed. Participants are encouraged to bring a pack of maxi pads. Open to grades 3–12 and adults. Registration required. Donations of pads or underwear are also welcome through MLK Day. Learn more.

Northwestern University Events

MLK candlelight vigil 

January 18  |  2 p.m.  |  Alice Millar Chapel

The vigil keynote will be delivered by Dr. Charlie Dates, a Chicago pastor and advocate for social justice. He is the 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. More info. 

MLK keynote event

January 20  |  5 p.m.  |   Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

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. Register online.