2026 MLK Day

To mark Cincinnati’s 51st MLK Day March and Program, the MLK Coalition is excited to announce our 2026 theme, Bending the Arc Toward Justice. Our nationally recognized keynote speaker is UC professor Dr. Holly McGee. Holly Y. McGee specializes in U.S. History and African American History, with an emphasis on black women’s activist and intellectual history, comparative political activism in the United States and South Africa, and popular culture in the twentieth century.

We hope to see you Monday, January 19, 2026 for the Commemorative March (10:30am, National Underground Freedom Center) and Annual Program (12:00pm, Music Hall)

In the meantime, here are a few ways you can support the 2026 program today!

PURCHASE AN AD

Here is a link to a Google Form to use to purchase an individual, business, church, or community group advertisement in the 2026 program book that will distributed to 2,500+ MLK Day participants.

JOIN THE MLK CHORALE

Join the MLK Chorale! No experience or audition is required.  CLICK HERE for details and to join or for more information email mlkchorale@mlkcoalition.org 

ARTWORK COMPETITION!

ARTWORK COMPETITION!

The 2026 MLK Coalition Artwork Competition is now open! Deadline for submission is Friday, October 17th.
Click Here for details and to submit artwork

Drum Major Awards

The Drum Major Awards will honor 50 Cincinnatians (deceased) who made significant contributions to racial equity and inclusion. The Drum Majors embody Dr. King’s ideals of non-violence, social change, and advocacy for the marginalized. We will recognize a total of 50 Drum Majors over the course of 2025.

HERE ARE THE AWARDEES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER.

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition is proud to promote Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of brave and earnest work to end racial injustice.