MLK Celebration
“The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and sharing. No other day of the year brings so many people from different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of brother and sisterhood. Whether you are African American, Hispanic, or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian-American, you are part of the great dream Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples’ holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream.”
- Coretta Scott King
All MLK Celebration Events are open to UF students, faculty, staff, and the Gainesville community.
ABOUT THE CELEBRATION
The University of Florida Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is an annual campus-wide committee under the direction of the Division of Student Life. This campus-wide celebration brings together many student organizations and university departments to make the celebration a success. Throughout the weeklong celebration, participants and attendees can expect specifically curated events honoring and reflecting on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his impact is still felt today. The programs and service initiatives are designed to empower the Gator community to use their strengths, passions, and talents to better the lives of others and impact our community.
January 15 - February 6, 2026
CANNED FOOD DRIVE
January 16 - February 6 | Drop Off Locations - Community and Belonging Front Desk, IBC and IHLC
Dr. King believed that hunger is a moral failure of society, one we should not be facing as a nation. In accordance with his ideology, we will be having a canned food drive to encourage student organizations to take an active step against world hunger.
UNITY FEST
January 15 | Plaza of the Americas | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This event will be a carnival-style event to celebrate the life of Dr. King and there will be a Dream Wall included for those in attendance to write their dreams and aspirations.
BCLS DAY OF SERVICE
January 19 | Gainesville Community | Throughout the Day
Join fellow UF student volunteers and partnering community members for a day of reflection and service in the local Gainesville community. Learn about service opportunities in Gainesville, meet new people, build awareness around varying perspectives, complex issues, and communities.
COMMUNITY BRUNCH
January 20 | Student Engagement Portal | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
"Good food, stronger community - all in one brunch!" This event will be a drop in style event where students can come and enjoy breakfast while reflecting on the work and ideals of Dr. King.
SPEAKER: DR. KATHI EARLES
January 22 | Pugh Hall Ocora | 5:00 p.m.
Dr. Earles is a highly respected speaker, author and educator on pediatric obesity and diabetes, and has a particular interest in health disparities impacting minority communities. During this event, she will be speaking on health disparities within the nation and how Dr. King fought for justice in healthcare.
LONGEST TABLE EVENT
January 23 | Honors Village | 6:30 p.m.
Where every seat brings us closer together. This event aims to bring together students, UF faculty and staff, and Gainesville community members to come together and learn from each other while connecting and networking.
Events brought to you by:
Community and Belonging, Brown Center for Leadership and Service, Bob Graham Center and African American Studies, UF Small Business Relations, UF Alumni Association, Graduate Student Union, GatorWell, Sorority and Fraternity Life, UF Housing and Residence Life