When a community has commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for more than a quarter-century, the annual observance becomes more than a date on the calendar — it becomes a living thread connecting past struggles to present action. That is exactly the spirit behind the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, announced by MLKCommUNITY of Greater Kennett Area for Monday, January 18, 2027, at Lincoln University.
Doors open at 9:00 a.m., with the program getting underway at 10:00 a.m. at the university’s campus located at 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University, PA 19352.
This year’s theme, “Voices of Truth: Lincoln University and Kennett Square United for Justice,” deliberately ties the region’s Underground Railroad history and the student-led voting rights efforts at Lincoln University to Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the ongoing fight for equality. It is a framing that gives historical weight to a modern-day gathering.
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Delivering the keynote address will be Dr. Philip J. Merrill, a historian, writer, and founder of Nanny Jack & Company, whose work is expected to sharpen the focus on those historical connections. The morning’s agenda also includes breakfast, live performances, and the presentation of the Mabel Latta Thompson Community Service Award, a staple of the celebration that honors local service.
Beyond the main program, the “Be A King” Volunteer Fair will run free and open to the public, offering a direct pipeline between attendees and local nonprofits, civic groups, and service opportunities across Greater Southern Chester County. Organizations that want to showcase their work and recruit volunteers are encouraged to register for a booth.
In a separate effort to address food insecurity, the group is again rallying support for its “Change for Change” program, now in its eighth year. The initiative collects coins and cash to stock area food cupboards. In-person donations will be accepted on January 18, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union in Kennett Square, while virtual change jars remain open year-round at www.mlkcommunity.org/programs/change-for-change. Organizers stress that even small contributions add up to meaningful support for families facing hunger.
Those planning to attend the celebration itself must purchase tickets in advance — no sales will be available at the door. Ticket purchases, full program details, sponsorship information, and Volunteer Fair registration can all be found at www.mlkcommunity.org.
Why it matters: In an era where community ties are often stretched thin, MLKCommUNITY’s persistence in convening neighbors around service and justice — year after year — demonstrates how a local holiday event can evolve into a sustained infrastructure for civic engagement. The combination of historical reflection, volunteer recruitment, and hunger relief in a single day offers a practical template for other communities looking to honor Dr. King’s legacy with more than words.
About MLKCommUNITY of Greater Kennett Area
MLKCommUNITY brings neighbors together to advance Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community through fellowship, service, justice, and peace.
Media inquiries:
MLKCommUNITY of Greater Kennett Area
215-820-1164
www.mlkcommunity.org
Carol A. Black
MLKCommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area
+1 215-820-1164
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