Baylor and Waco to Commemorate MLK Day with University, Community Events

Contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, 254-327-8012 
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As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Every year, Americans answer this call by coming together on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – this year on Monday, Jan. 19, to serve their neighborhoods and communities and with events celebrating the life and legacy of the late Civil Rights leader. The Baylor University and Waco communities will join others across the nation to participate in multiple events honoring Dr. King.

2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS: Phi Delta Kappa's 2026 Commission on Civil Rights, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at NeighborWorks Waco, 922 Franklin Ave, Waco. Keynote Speaker will be Cheryl Foster presenting "What's a Primary & Why It Matters to You!"

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY: The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center will be held at 10 a.m. at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center, 300 N. MLK Blvd., Waco. Enjoy a short program, building tours, tasty refreshments and a few surprises along the way. 

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY: The 40th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held at noon at Doris Miller Community Center, 1020 Elm Ave., in Waco. Individuals may bring a wreath to place at the MLK monument following the program. For more information, call 254-717-7903.

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY: Baylor University offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19,  in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The spring semester begins Tuesday, Jan. 20.

CARILLON RECITAL: University Carillonneur Lynnette Geary will play a Carillon Recital in honor of Dr. King at noon on the McLane Carillon in the tower of Pat Neff Hall. The recital is free and open to the public, and guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to listen to the concert on the grounds around Pat Neff. Geary will play a host of selections, including “I’ll Overcome Some Day,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “Woke Up This Morning with My Mind [Stayed] on Freedom,” “Precious Lord” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

PEACE MARCH: Participants in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March will gather at 8:30 a.m. at Indian Spring Park, 101 N. University Parks Drive in Waco, with the walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. from downtown Waco across the Suspension Bridge to Bridge Street. The Peace March is hosted by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Delta Upsilon Zeta Chapter, in partnership with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Gamma Omicron Sigma Chapter. 

GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA: Following the march, the Gospel Extravaganza will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Multi-Purpose Center, 1020 Elm Ave. in Waco, featuring powerful gospel music and inspiration that continues the spirit of unity and reflection.. A light lunch will be provided. 

FREE ADMISSION TO MAYBORN: The Mayborn Museum is offering free admission on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Bring your family and friends to explore the museum and reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and 

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

*MLK CELEBRATION LUNCHEON: The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon, hosted by the Department of Multicultural Affairs at Baylor University, will be held at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Waco City Council Member Andrea Jackson Barefield is this year’s featured speaker. *Note: Registration for this event is now closed. 

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.