News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania has commenced its Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change, featuring a series of events aimed at honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Throughout January, community-focused activities such as lectures, wellness events, and service projects will encourage engagement with issues of social justice and change. Highlight events include a health equity lecture, a sports and wellness event for youth, and a community beautification project. Additionally, the university recognized the 2026 Women of Color Day Awardees, celebrating contributions to advancing respect for women of color within the community.
Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania has officially launched its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change: Penn’s Commitment to the Legacy, with a diverse array of events scheduled throughout January to honor Dr. King’s enduring principles. The symposium aims to foster reflection and action on contemporary issues of social change and justice, reinforcing the university’s dedication to his challenging visions of ending racism and poverty, strengthening diversity, and supporting free expression.
Announced in the University of Pennsylvania Almanac on January 13, 2026, the comprehensive program includes lectures, wellness activities, community service initiatives, and a children’s book donation project.
Key Symposium Events Highlight Penn’s Commitment
The symposium kicks off a series of engagements designed to involve the campus and surrounding community in meaningful ways. A central event is the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Equity Lecture, featuring Aletha Maybank from the American Medical Association, scheduled for January 14, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Smilow Center auditorium.
For younger members of the community, the Young Quakers MLK Sports & Wellness Event will take place on January 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pottruck Health & Fitness Center, organized by Penn Athletics and the Netter Center.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
A significant portion of the commemoration focuses on service to the community, particularly on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19, 2026. The day begins with a Day of Service Kick-Off Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the Hall of Flags at Houston Hall, featuring guest speaker VanJessica Gladney, a history scholar, and vocal performances by Ruth Naomi Floyd.
Parallel to this, the Penn Ryan Veterinary Hospital will host a Free Dog and Cat Wellness and Vaccination Clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., operating by appointment and limited to two pets per household. Owners can also receive a free flu vaccine during this clinic.
Further embodying the spirit of service, a Community Beautification Service Project invites volunteers to help clean and revitalize Comegys Elementary School, Global Leadership Academy Charter School, and Laura Sims Skate House. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately, with light refreshments and water provided. Volunteers will meet at 9:50 a.m. at the Hall of Flags in Houston Hall for transportation to the project sites.
Throughout January, the Penn Reads Children’s Book Donation Project continues, encouraging community members to purchase books from a curated list of multicultural, anti-bias children’s books to support local bookstores and help young children develop a love of reading. Donations can be shipped to the African-American Resource Center until January 31.
2026 Women of Color Day Awardees Announced
In a related announcement, the University of Pennsylvania also extended congratulations to its 2026 Women of Color Day Awardees on January 13, 2026. These awards recognize individuals who have diligently worked to enhance respect for women of color within Penn, the University of Pennsylvania Health System, and the wider Delaware Valley community.
The 2026 award recipients include Herinah Asaah as the Undergraduate Awardee, Kristina “Kris” Stallings as the Graduate Awardee, and J. Margo Brooks Carthon as the Faculty/Staff Awardee. A Community Awardee was also recognized. These awards will be formally presented at the annual Women of Color at Penn (WOCAP) Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Inn at Penn.
Penn’s Ongoing Legacy of Social Change
The University of Pennsylvania, through the African-American Resource Center and the MLK Executive Planning Committee, annually convenes its community to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This commemoration, which typically begins each January, goes beyond a single day, transforming the campus and the broader Philadelphia community through a continuous commitment to civility, service, and programming dedicated to realizing Dr. King’s vision.
Penn’s sustained efforts include a long history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposia, with events held in previous years such as 2025, 2024, and 2023, consistently reaffirming the institution’s role in advancing social justice and community betterment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change?
- It is a series of events hosted by the University of Pennsylvania to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., focusing on social change, justice, and community engagement.
- When do the 2026 MLK Commemorative Symposium events take place?
- Events are scheduled throughout January, with specific dates including January 14, January 17, and January 19, 2026. The Penn Reads Children’s Book Donation Project runs through January 31.
- What are some of the key events during the symposium?
- Key events include the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Equity Lecture, the Young Quakers MLK Sports & Wellness Event, a Day of Service Kick-Off Breakfast, a Free Dog and Cat Wellness and Vaccination Clinic, and a Community Beautification Service Project.
- What is the purpose of the Penn Reads Children’s Book Donation Project?
- The project encourages the purchase of multicultural, anti-bias children’s books to support local bookstores and help young children develop a love of reading.
- Who are the 2026 Women of Color Day Awardees?
- The 2026 awardees are Herinah Asaah (Undergraduate), Kristina “Kris” Stallings (Graduate), and J. Margo Brooks Carthon (Faculty/Staff), along with a Community Awardee.
- When and where will the Women of Color Day Awards Luncheon be held?
- The annual WOCAP Awards Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Inn at Penn.
Key Features of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change
| Feature | Description | Date / Period | Location / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Goal | To reflect on, act on, and respond to contemporary issues of social change and social justice, aligning with Dr. King’s visions. | Throughout January 2026 | University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia community |
| Health Equity Lecture | Featuring Aletha Maybank, American Medical Association. | January 14, 2026 (noon-1:30 p.m.) | Auditorium, Smilow Center |
| Young Quakers MLK Sports & Wellness Event | Organized by Penn Athletics and Netter Center. | January 17, 2026 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) | Pottruck Health & Fitness Center |
| Day of Service Kick-Off Breakfast | Includes guest speaker VanJessica Gladney and vocal performances by Ruth Naomi Floyd. | January 19, 2026 (8:30 a.m. program start at 9 a.m.) | Hall of Flags, Houston Hall |
| Free Dog and Cat Wellness and Vaccination Clinic | Offers wellness checks and vaccinations; free flu vaccine for owners. | January 19, 2026 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) | Ryan Veterinary Hospital (by appointment only) |
| Community Beautification Service Project | Volunteers assist in cleaning and sprucing up local schools. | January 19, 2026 (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; meet 9:50 a.m. for transport) | Comegys Elementary School, Global Leadership Academy Charter School, Laura Sims Skate House |
| Penn Reads Children’s Book Donation Project | Collects multicultural, anti-bias children’s books for donation. | Ongoing through January 31, 2026 | African-American Resource Center (for shipping donations) |
| 2026 Women of Color Day Awardees | Recognition of individuals for increasing respect for women of color at Penn and in the community. | Awardees announced January 13, 2026; Luncheon March 20, 2026 | Luncheon at the Inn at Penn |
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