OHIO to host Silent March, Brunch, additional events to honor life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Ohio University will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week-long celebration focusing on the theme of “Marching Forward: Using Dr. King's Teachings to Heal a Divided Nation.”

The events will highlight equality and social justice as the University honors Dr. King for his work toward racial equality and justice for all people and for his dedication to nonviolence.

The two featured events for the week will be the annual Silent March on Monday, Jan. 20, and the MLK Celebratory Brunch, following the Silent March on Jan. 20.

• Tickets for the MLK Celebratory Brunch can be purchased here. 

MLK Celebration events

Here is the full schedule of events for the MLK Celebration at Ohio University.

"King in the Wilderness" - MLK Day documentary screening – Tuesday, Jan. 14, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Elson Hall at Ohio University Zanesville. The film is an HBO documentary that offers a portrait of Dr. King during the last years of his life, from his pivotal role in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to his tragic assassination in 1968.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Project – Monday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. until noon at Ohio University Chillicothe. All members of the OHIO community are invited to join in celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a morning of service at Chillicothe's Carver Community Center. In partnership with the Ross County United Way and Sojourner's Care Network, volunteers will clean, organize, paint and assemble personal care kits.  

MLK Jr. Celebration Silent March – Monday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 – 10 a.m. beginning at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 64 University Terrace. The annual march, led by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is an opportunity to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mission and impact. Please note that the location for the Silent March is different than in previous years.

MLK Celebratory Brunch 2025 – Monday, Jan. 20 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the Baker University Center Ballroom. The brunch will feature remarks from keynote speaker Terrence L. Frazier, Ph.D.  For information on tickets for individuals, offices and organizations, please contact Pat Bungard bungard@ohio.edu or diversityinclusion@ohio.edu.

Understanding and Teaching Hard History: The Civil Rights Movement – Tuesday, Jan. 21, beginning at 6 p.m. at Ohio University Lancaster and shown by livestream. Join Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, as he presents an insightful lecture on understanding and teaching hard history. For more information, contact Pamela Kaylor at 614-736-6545 or dawes@ohio.edu. To register for the livestream, please see this website.

MLK Week Community Service Fair – Thursday, Jan. 23 from noon until 3 p.m. the Baker Center Theater Lounge on the second floor of the Baker University Center. This event is an amazing opportunity for nonprofit organizations to showcase their mission and programs, and for students to explore ways to get involved through internships, volunteering, and more. To reserve a table for this event, please visit this website.

MLK Jr. Dessert Reception – Friday, Jan. 25 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. in the Front Room at the Baker University Center. Hot chocolate, coffees and baked goods will be available as members of the OHIO community join together to celebrate the week of activities in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Legacy Awards Reception – Tuesday, Jan. 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Riffe Center at Ohio University Southern. The Ohio University Southern Council on Diversity and Inclusion will host a reception honoring the recipients of the 2025 Legacy Awards and student winners of the MLK Writing Contest. For more information, please see this website.

For additional information on all of these events, please see the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration website.