Observed on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, a pivotal leader in the Civil Rights Movement whose commitment to equality, justice, and nonviolent action helped transform American society. Beyond remembrance, the holiday serves as a National Day of Service, encouraging individuals and families to engage in volunteerism and community-building efforts that reflect Dr. King’s vision of unity and equity.
Across Connecticut, communities are marking MLK Day with opportunities to learn, reflect, and participate in programming throughout the month. According to Connecticut Public, the following performances and events are scheduled over the next two weeks to honor Dr. King’s enduring impact through civic engagement:
- Jan. 22: Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents The Fierce Urgency of Now: MLK Tribute Concert on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave., Hartford.
- Jan. 30: UConn’s Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights hosts its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Convocation on Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Rd., Storrs. The evening will feature six Connecticut poet laureates, spoken word artists and musical performances. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations opened Jan. 5.
- Feb. 3: Jay Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation (previously known as the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving), is the keynote speaker at the University of Hartford’s Martin Luther King commemoration on Feb. 3 starting at 12:45 p.m. in the Lincoln Theater. The observance is free and open to the public.
MLK Day is a reminder that Dr. King’s dream continues through everyday actions such as showing up, serving others, and working together toward a more just and inclusive future.
