Each year Denison celebrates the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A committee of faculty, staff and students plan a schedule of events that reflects topics and themes of the day through King’s teachings. These encompass a variety of events including keynotes by such national figures as Patrisse Khan-Cullors, organizing founder of #BlackLivesMatter, and Diane Nash, co-founder of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Other offerings have included student- and faculty-led workshops, performances and exhibits by music, dance and spoken-word artists, a multitude of service-learning opportunities, and more.

Please view an archive of past celebrations, below.

In addition, enjoy this history of a 1968 encounter between three Denison sophomores and the great man himself.

A glimpse of past celebrations:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023 Celebration
A look back at Denison’s 2023 MLK celebrations
Denison celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with two days of special events
Deirdre Cooper Owens
2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations
The 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. events at Denison celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
Danielle Allen
2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations
The 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. events at Denison celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
Tewoflos Tewoldeberhan ’25 and Thomas Coffey ’25, both wearing ties, lead the march from Slayter Hall to Mitchell Center.
Marchers celebrate life and legacy of MLK
Our tribute to the civil rights leader includes speakers, musical performances, workshops, and service projects.
Mary Frances Berry
2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations
The 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. events at Denison celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
Vanderbilt University Professor Victor Anderson
Denison celebrates MLK Day 2022
In Denison tradition, we dedicated our day to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

View the full archive of past ceremonies