JANUARY 17, 2026

 

A broad coalition of faith leaders, neighborhood organizations, civic institutions, and community partners will come together to host the 8th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance in St. Louis, honoring the enduring legacy, moral leadership, and call to action of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 2026 MLK Holiday Observance is presented in partnership with Centennial Christian Church; Fountain Park and Lewis Place Neighborhood Association; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter; the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Central West End Church; The Village; People’s Community Action
Corporation; St. Louis Public Schools; The Jackson Law Firm; Committeewoman Yolonda “Yogi” Yancie; and Mission St. Louis, Inc..

This year’s observance carries the theme: “The Courage to Begin Anew: Affirming Dignity and Action in the Face of Adversity.” The theme is grounded in a quote attributed to Dr. King that continues to resonate in St. Louis and across the nation:

“No matter how hard times may get, stick together, love together, and rise together.”

The 8th Annual MLK Holiday Observance takes on added meaning as Centennial Christian Church continues to seek the community’s prayers and support following the devastating May 16, 2025 St. Louis tornado, which destroyed the church building and caused significant damage to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statue, as well as the Fountain Park and Lewis Place neighborhoods. Rebuilding and recovery efforts remain ongoing, underscoring the urgency of unity, resilience, and collective action that Dr. King championed throughout his life.

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We invite the entire St. Louis region to join in this meaningful observance—honoring Dr. King’s legacy not only through remembrance, but through renewed commitment to dignity, justice, and action in the face of adversity.

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