Echoes of Unity celebrates 40 years of Minnesota’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday tradition
Echoes of Unity is a special edition statewide commemorative magazine honoring four decades of Minnesota’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. The publication highlights the history, leaders and community voices that carry Dr. King’s legacy of courage, compassion and collective action into the present, offering readers inspiration and sponsors a chance to stand with Minnesotans dedicated to justice.
40th Anniversary Statewide Celebration
This year marks a milestone. Minnesota is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday events. The celebration is one of the largest and longest-running in the nation. From Rochester to Red Lake, communities will come together to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and bring his vision to life across the state.
Dr. King taught us, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” This anniversary invites every Minnesotan to reflect, participate, and take action. Through learning, civic dialogue, cultural programming, and community movement, the one-day holiday becomes an entire week of statewide engagement.
The 40th anniversary series centers unity and lifts up opportunities for connection and service. Explore the full lineup and share it with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Standing together moves us closer to a more just and inclusive One Minnesota.
Live Stream the MLK Holiday Celebration – January 19, 2026 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
All events are hosted by the State of Minnesota and the Governor’s Council on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Event Schedule
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Historical Landmark Tour: A Journey Through Civil Rights
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Minnesota Humanities Center, 987 Ivy Ave E, St Paul
Audience: General public
Program:
Join the inaugural Minnesota Historical Landmark Tour, created in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Minnesota Historical Society. This experience brings participants through cultural and historical sites that shaped Minnesota’s pursuit of justice.
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Friday, January 16, 2026
Youth Summit: Solidarity and STEM for Systems Change
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul
Audience: Middle and high school students, grades 6 through 12
Program:
Students from across Minnesota will come together for a day of innovation, collaboration, and civic leadership. Inspired by Dr. King’s reminder that scientific genius must be matched with moral courage, the summit blends youth voices, STEM thinking, and solidarity into real-world action.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
State Career Fair: Building Futures in Service
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: St. Paul College
Audience: General public seeking careers
Program:
More than 30 state agencies and offices will be available to help attendees explore pathways in public service. Dr. King reminded us, “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well.” This career fair is designed to open new doors and support Minnesotans at every stage of their career journey.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Community March: Uniting Across Difference
Time: 2 pm to 5 pm
Location: Beginning at the Minnesota Historical Society, ending at the State Capitol
Audience: General public
Program:
Faith communities and neighbors across Minnesota will gather in fellowship and forward motion. The march symbolizes unity and shared commitment to justice. Walk with others who believe in building a more inclusive and connected One Minnesota.
Monday, January 19, 2026
MLK Holiday Celebration
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Ordway Center for Performing Arts, St Paul
Audience: General public, elected officials, community leaders
Program:
The grand finale of the 40th anniversary celebration brings artistry, storytelling, and community honor into one shared space. Reserve your seat for a historic gathering that celebrates hope, unity, and the ongoing work of building a better Minnesota.