Eastern Michigan University is set to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a week of celebrations across campus.
On Nov. 2, 1983, MLK Day was recognized as a federal holiday, held on the third Monday of each January. Since 1986, EMU had celebrated the holiday with a variety of keynote speakers, marches and other events in an effort to promote the mission of King and to celebrate his long-lasting legacy.
During the winter 2026 semester, EMU will be hosting seven events for students and staff to attend.
MLK Ceremonial Wreath Laying and March
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, first founded Dec. 4, 1906, with the mission of promoting academic excellence, brotherhood and community support for African American men, is working alongside the National Pan-Hellenic Council for the annual ceremonial laying of a wreath, as well as a march through the Eastern Michigan University campus. Students and staff wishing to participate will gather at the Martin Luther King Plaza at 10 a.m. and finish marching at 11 a.m.
EMU MLK President's Luncheon
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 - Student Center Ballroom
This year's annual EMU MLK President's Luncheon, created to recognize the legacy of King, will be joined by Karine Jean-Pierre, the former White House press secretary for former President Joe Biden. The program will also be presented by Glenda Lewis, anchor for WXYZ TV Channel 7.
Tickets for this event are sold out. However, students and staff can still watch the luncheon inside the Student Center Auditorium. While this does not require a ticket, seating is limited to 240 guests on a first come, first served basis.
The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MLK Celebration Book Signing
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 - Student Center Room 310A
Spokesperson and former White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre will be available for book signings for her latest release. Titled "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," the book encourages Americans to adopt independent political perspectives, as opposed to following the U.S.'s current two-party dominated system. Published in 2025, the book is Jean-Pierre's second work.
Located in the Student Center Room 310A, the book signing will last from 2-3 p.m.
MLK Celebration Annual Basketball Game
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 - George Gervin GameAbove Center
The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team will face the University of Toledo Rockets for EMU's annual MLK basketball game. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Non-student ticket prices range from $7-32 depending on the seat. All EMU students can attend the game for free. For more information on pricing and ticket purchasing, visit EMU's venue website.
DEI, Justice and Belonging & Rise Anyway Speaker Series
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 - Student Center Room 310A
Courtney Smith, founder and executive chief officer of the Detroit Phoenix Center, an organization focused on providing the necessary resources to youth who are transitioning out of poverty and homelessness, will be speaking at the annual Justice Speaker Series.
Smith's work in local nonprofit groups has been recognized by various magazines and media outlets, including Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine and "The Steve Harvey Show."
The event is located in the Student Center Room 310A and will run from 5-7:30 p.m.
The Beloved EMU Community: Student Volunteerism and Advocacy
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 - Student Center First Floor
EMU's Society for Human Resource Management, Student Government and Swoop's Pantry are collaborating for a collective goal of promoting service and civic engagement on campus. The event will offer resume assistance for local veterans, workshops on how to communicate with Michigan's legislators and the chance to donate to Swoop's Food Pantry.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Beloved Ypsilanti Community Networking Event
Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 - Student Center Room 330
Joined by Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown, EMU Student Government is hosting a community-wide networking event for local organizations, leaders and community members. Nonprofits, local businesses and civic leaders will build relationships with local residents, political leaders and fellow businesses to create more opportunity within Ypsilanti and help cultivate the vision of local organizations.
The event will be held in Student Center Room 300 from 9:30-11 a.m.
Nonprofits interested in participating should complete the registration form to sign up.
Eastern Michigan University has been participating in Martin Luther King Jr. Day for decades, with each year providing a different list of opportunities for EMU's students and staff to connect with history and engage in their communities. For a timeline of EMU's past keynote speakers, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration page on the university's website.
For more information on the events, speakers, scholarships and schedule, students can visit EMU's MLK Day Celebration dedicated page.
The MLK events committee is also available to answer questions related to the celebrations. They can be contacted via email at emu_mlk@emich.edu.
