Cassopolis, Mich. (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – Communities throughout the United States marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with marches, services, performances, youth activities, and volunteer projects honouring the civil rights leader’s legacy of unity and non-violence. In Cassopolis, Michigan, about 50 residents gathered at United Presbyterian Church under the theme “The Diverted Dream” featuring local speeches and children’s essays. Events from Oakland County to Collier County and Penn State campuses highlighted service as a “day on, not off,” ahead of and on the federal holiday observed today.
Residents across America participated in Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances on Monday, 19 January 2026, the third Monday in January honouring the civil rights icon assassinated in 1968.
The federal holiday prompted nationwide gatherings with speeches, essays, dances, parades, and volunteer efforts reflecting King’s emphasis on non-violence, justice, and racial equality.
Cassopolis Michigan Commemoration Emphasises Local Unity
In Cassopolis, Michigan, the League for Encouraging Empowerment organised an event at United Presbyterian Church on Sunday, drawing about 50 attendees under the theme “The Diverted Dream”.
As reported by John Beomsoo Kim of WNDU, Carmen Peake, president of the League for Encouraging Empowerment, stated,
“Martin Luther King, he was the one that wanted unity. It doesn’t matter what race, creed, color you are, unity. And Cassopolis is that type of place.”
Peake added that the community seeks to show the importance of remembering King’s legacy despite lacking major issues seen elsewhere.
Three local speakers addressed dreams and action, while school children read essays on admired figures, performed dances, songs, and gave speeches about King’s bravery.
Speakers Highlight Community Dreams and Bravery
Ben Anderson, a lifelong Cassopolis resident, spoke on redirecting community aspirations. As quoted by John Beomsoo Kim of WNDU, Anderson said,
“I think that members of the community had a dream to do some things inside of the community that were difficult to do and difficult to take on. And I don’t think as a community we should have ever deferred those dreams but rather diverted them to the place where we are now.”
Six-year-old Ieid delivered a speech noting King’s bravery in speaking before large crowds. Ieid affirmed aspiring to emulate the King.
Peake expressed hopes for youth learning non-violent accomplishment. She told WNDU,
“We want to make sure that they’ve learned what we’ve taught them and know that there’s different ways to get things accomplished without using your fist or a weapon.”
Penn State Campuses Host Themed MLK Events
Penn State University organised multiple events under the 2026 theme “Undaunted Hope” across campuses. A Memorial March occurred Tuesday, January 20, starting at MLK Jr. Plaza in State College.
Poetry and performance nights featured student winners of the Alpha Phi Alpha Oratorical Competition at the HUB-Robeson Center. Penn State Brandywine presented “King’s Dream”, a multimedia tribute.
These activities included music, readings, and movement honouring King’s legacy.
Northeast Ohio Features Music and Service Days
Northeast Ohio scheduled events including the Cleveland Orchestra’s MLK Open House and Day of Music at Severance Music Center on Monday from 12 to 5 p.m. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame extended hours with performances.
Cuyahoga Community College held its 49th Annual Dr. King Day Celebration at KeyBank State Theatre on Sunday. In Canton, the 51st Annual Community Celebration took place at Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center. University of Mount Union hosted a Day of Service.
Akron’s MLK Power, Love and Justice Weekend included youth volunteering from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Louis Celebrations Blend Poetry and Activism
St. Louis events under “With Liberty and Justice for All: MLK in STL” featured youth performances at Farrell Auditorium influenced by photographer Moneta Sleet Jr.’s civil rights images. Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson led sessions with music, theatre, and dance.
The Missouri History Museum offered workshops on race, justice, storytelling, and crafts for families.
Atlanta and Sacramento Lead Southern Observances
Atlanta History Center’s “I Influence the Dream” program traced the city’s civil rights role with Kenan Research Center open houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing books, photos, and archives.
In Sacramento, the Sixth Annual South Sacramento Community Celebration occurred at Luther Burbank High School Auditorium. The MLK 365: 44th March for the Dream covered 4.6 miles from Sacramento City College to the SAFE Convention Center.
The King Center Coordinates National Observance
The King Center in Atlanta hosted its 2026 King Holiday Observance from January 8 to 19, culminating in a Beloved Community Commemorative Service on Monday at 10 a.m. EST, free and open to the public.
Minnesota and New York Add Diverse Programs
Ordway Center planned a 40th Annual MLK Day Celebration as Minnesota’s grand finale with performances. New York Society for Ethical Culture organised music, storytelling, dance, and workshops for all ages.
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday and Federal Holiday Date
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on 15 January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday occurs annually on the third Monday in January near his birthday. In 2026, this falls on 19 January.
King’s “I Have a Dream” speech on 28 August 1963 during the March on Washington symbolised nonviolent protest against segregation. Congress established the holiday in 1983, signed by President Ronald Reagan, with first observance in 1986.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Federal Holiday?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday in January.
All non-essential federal offices close, and federal employees receive paid time off. By 2026, all 50 states and the District of Columbia officially recognise it, though some private businesses and schools vary.
Is USPS Open on MLK Day 2026?
USPS post offices remain closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 19 January 2026, with no regular mail delivery, caller service, or Post Office Box access nationwide.
Only Priority Mail Express receives delivery. Services resume Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Self-service kiosks operate 24/7 at select locations for stamps and Priority Mail.
Oakland County Executive Promotes Service-Oriented MLK Day
Oakland County Executive David Coulter urged participation in events framing the holiday as active service.
David Coulter, #OaklandCounty Executive (@OakGovEO) said in X post,
“#MLKDay is a day on, not a day off. Join a community celebration or volunteer event near you as we join the global community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. See events in and around #OaklandCounty.”
#MLKDay is a day on, not a day off. Join a community celebration or volunteer event near you as we join the global community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
See events in and around #OaklandCounty: https://t.co/SS3MVyYm6M.https://t.co/QJ1F2tBv3q
— David Coulter, #OaklandCounty Executive (@OakGovEO) January 18, 2026
Collier County Hosts 29th Annual MLK Parade
In Florida, Collier County scheduled its 29th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration on Monday, 19 January 2026, organised by the NAACP.
Collier County Government (@CollierGov) said in X post,
“Join the NAACP of #CollierCounty for the 29th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration on Monday, January 19th, 2026! Parade begins at Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South through downtown at 11 AM. #MartinLutherKingJrDay”
Join the NAACP of #CollierCounty for the 29th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration on Monday, January 19th, 2026!
Parade begins at Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South through downtown at 11 AM. #MartinLutherKingJrDay pic.twitter.com/MNuAlDMV8I
— Collier County Government (@CollierGov) January 18, 2026
The parade starts at Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South through downtown at 11 a.m.
Additional Nationwide MLK Day Observances
Penn State campuses held events under “Undaunted Hope,” including a Memorial March and poetry nights. Northeast Ohio featured Cleveland Orchestra open houses, Rock Hall performances, and service days in Akron and Canton.
St. Louis offered youth poetry influenced by civil rights photography. Atlanta History Center traced the city’s role with archive displays. Sacramento hosted marches and community celebrations.
The King Center in Atlanta coordinated a Beloved Community Service. Minnesota and New York added music, workshops, and storytelling.
Common Themes Across U.S. Events
Observances stressed hope, service, youth involvement, and non-violence. From Michigan churches to Florida parades, gatherings preserved King’s message of unity.
Events drew diverse crowds, adapting his legacy to local contexts nationwide.