31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally
Schedule
Mon, 19 Jan, 2026 at 09:00 am
UTC-06:00Location
UNL Nebraska Unions | Lincoln, NE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally
Monday, January 19, 2026
The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally invites the community to join us in person on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the 31st Annual MLK Youth Rally. The event will take place in the Centennial Room of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Student Union (14th & R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska) and will also be available virtually for statewide and international audiences.
This year’s theme, “The Audacity to Walk Together In Love,” is inspired by Dr. King’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech—his call for dignity, equality, and freedom for the spirit. The theme highlights the courage required to act, overcome challenges, and build the beloved community through love in action.
Organized annually by a diverse group of K–12 scholars, the Rally continues the mission of the planning committee: “…promotion of the life and dream of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and local civil rights leader Dr. Leola Bullock through positive youth action.”
Brecklin, a 2026 Planning Committee member, reflects the heart of this year’s message:
“Audacity looks like continuing to work toward a goal while facing adversity, messing up, getting back up, and taking more steps toward success.”
Lead Advisor Peter Ferguson, now in his 29th year supporting the committee, adds:
“Each year, the planning team walks boldly toward its creation. This year, the planning committee is rallying around the words and actions of Dr. King and others who showed the audacity needed to build the beloved community. Every component lifts a purpose rooted in love.”
📅 Event Schedule — Monday, January 19, 2026
📍 In-Person Location
Centennial Room, Nebraska Union • University of Nebraska–Lincoln [14th & “R” Street]
All in-person events take place in the Centennial Room (14th & R Street).
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM (CST)
emPOWERment UNITY Community Rally (In-Person Only)
🖥️ 9:30 AM (CST) Virtual Pre-Recorded Pre-Rally
- Community activities, photo booth, DJ, storytelling, face painting, and local activity booths
🔔 10:00 AM (CST) 31st Annual Call to Action Program
Available in-person and via livestream
- Youth-led original and adapted work
- Spoken word and interactive presentations
- Rally CommUNITY Choir
- Annual Civil Rights Book Project
- Special guest appearance
For more information, to support the event, or to stay connected:
Website: mlkyouthrally.com | Twitter: @Rally93 | Instagram: @theyouthrally_ne | Facebook: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally
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Where is it happening?
UNL Nebraska Unions, Steak n Shake, 1400 R Street, Lincoln, NE 68588, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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