"The Urgency of Now – A Time for Truth and Action" - Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Each year, Dartmouth College gathers in reflection, community, and purpose to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a visionary whose call for justice still rings true today. 

As we honor Dr. King’s enduring influence, Dartmouth recommits itself to building a campus and world where integrity, honesty, and curiosity are foundational to our convictions. Furthermore, Dartmouth’s commitment to intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and community engagement positions us to meaningfully engage with King’s goals of equality, human rights, and justice for all. Let us move forward together, propelled by King’s vision, toward a future made possible by our urgent and unwavering action for the common good. 

Our 2026 Speaker

To help us celebrate and embrace this year’s theme, we will be joined by the youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Bernice A. King, for an intimate fireside chat led by author and scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. Dr. King will offer personal reflections on her father’s legacy and her decades of experience as a ​global thought leader, peace advocate, and Chief Executive Officer of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center).

Keynote Event Details

The fireside chat is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hanover Inn.  Following the conversation, there will be a book signing. The first 25 attendees in line will receive a complimentary book from Dr. King. Please register at the button below to attend the keynote. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All participants will be asked at the door to present a photo ID to locate their registration or to register to attend. All are welcome!  

Livestream 

The fireside chat will also be available via livestream on this site on the day of the event with link-access appearing at 5 p.m.

Celebrate MLK Jr.’s Legacy Across The Dartmouth Community

As part of Dartmouth’s month-long celebration, across campus, there will be thought-provoking programs and events that will encourage our community to explore Dr. King’s ideals and their application to the contemporary challenges we face. Learn more and participate below.