Doane University remains committed to honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful action—not just words. As we have for the past three years, we will once again host a full week of education, service, and community engagement from Tuesday, January 20 through Friday, January 23, 2026.
Our fourth annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week centers on the theme “One Dream. One Doane. Building Leaders Through Justice.” This guiding message reflects our dedication to learning, service, and leadership. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members from all campuses are invited to participate as their schedules allow.
As part of the week, we encourage you to reflect on your role in creating a more just world. Set your own goals and next steps by completing a Call to Action.
FILL OUT YOUR CALL TO ACTION HERE!
We have several volunteer opportunities and collection drives during MLK Week. Learn more!
Check out our daily programming!
MLK Week 2026 Programming
Monday, Jan. 19th (MLK Day)
Campuses are closed in observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We encourage all Tigers to engage in their communities, serve where they can, and take time to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy as we prepare to begin our week of programming.
Tuesday, Jan. 20th
The Longest Table (Noon - 1 p.m.)
FOOD PROVIDED FOR GUESTS!
CRETE CAMPUS: Perry Campus Center Boardroom, upper level of Campus Center. This event will also take place in Lincoln on Thursday. - You are invited to join us for The Longest Table, a guided dialogue experience rooted in reflection, connection, and community. In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this session will focus on his enduring legacy—justice, service, courage, and the work still ahead.
The Longest Table symbolizes that there is room for every voice in our diverse Doane community. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are welcome.
At a time when polarization continues to impact communities nationwide, this space offers an opportunity to listen, share, and learn across differences and common ground. Together, we will explore how Dr. King’s vision can inspire our own leadership and action today.
MLK-themed Dinner in the Dining Hall (5 - 6 p.m.)
Meal plans or payment required. Enjoy a meal in the Dining Hall of Crete's campus before the Candlelight Vigil.
MLK Candlelight Vigil (6 - 7 p.m.)
CRETE CAMPUS: Heckman Auditorium, Communications Building - Don't miss this signature event of MLK Week, which features special guests including Dr. Marilyn Johnson-Farr, student DaMarcus Cannon, Rev. Karla Cooper, and Dr. Jamal Dorsey, Quinn Chapel Choir, readings, and more!
Wednesday, Jan. 21st
Lunch & Learn with Dalia Ruvalcaba (Noon - 1 p.m.)
Online via Zoom: - Grab your lunch and join us from wherever you are! Join Dalia Ruvalcaba, founder of Radiant Counseling (dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care and empowering wellness) and founder of the Therapists of Color Network (dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in mental health).
Zoom link: https://doane.zoom.us/j/92713704818 Meeting ID: 927 1370 4818
Linked2Literacy Book Gallery (4 - 6 p.m.)
CRETE CAMPUS: Nyrop Hall, lower level of Perry Campus Center - Join us for a meaningful community event/project. Learn more about Linked2Literacy, which inspires generations by providing inclusive books and literacy education through community partnerships.
The Great Debaters (5:30 p.m.)
LINCOLN CAMPUS: Classroom 103 in Fred Brown Center. This movie will be shown in Crete on Thursday. - Join us for a special screening of The Great Debaters, an inspiring film that highlights the power of voice, courage, and truth in the face of injustice. Centered on a team of young Black scholars who challenge barriers through debate and determination, the film is a natural fit for MLK Week—echoing themes of leadership, equity, and speaking up for what is right.
Come be inspired, reflect, and continue the conversation sparked by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
Thursday, Jan. 22nd
The Longest Table (5:30 p.m.)
FOOD FROM DEEPLY ROOT'D PROVIDED!
LINCOLN CAMPUS: Atrium (lower level) of the Fred Brown Center - You are invited to join us for The Longest Table, a guided dialogue experience rooted in reflection, connection, and community. In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this session will focus on his enduring legacy—justice, service, courage, and the work still ahead.
The Longest Table symbolizes that there is room for every voice in our diverse Doane community. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are welcome.
At a time when polarization continues to impact communities nationwide, this space offers an opportunity to listen, share, and learn across differences and common ground. Together, we will explore how Dr. King’s vision can inspire our own leadership and action today.
The Great Debaters (6:30 p.m.)
DOWNTOWN CRETE: This event will be held at the Crete Isis Theatre, 139 W 13th Street - Join us for a special screening of The Great Debaters, an inspiring film that highlights the power of voice, courage, and truth in the face of injustice. Centered on a team of young Black scholars who challenge barriers through debate and determination, the film is a natural fit for MLK Week—echoing themes of leadership, equity, and speaking up for what is right.
Come be inspired, reflect, and continue the conversation sparked by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
Friday, Jan. 23rd
Book Bundling with Linked2Literacy (10 a.m. - Noon)
LINCOLN CAMPUS: Room 101 in Fred Brown Center - Help us bundle books with the help of Linked2Literacy!
Student Panel & Closing Call to Action (Noon - 1 p.m.)
CRETE CAMPUS: Curtis East / Kleinkauf West Dining Rooms, upper level of Campus Center - Join us as we conclude MLK Week 2026 with a powerful Student Panel and Closing Call to Action. Hear from Doane students who are actively leading, serving, and advocating for positive change on our campuses and in their communities. Their stories, perspectives, and experiences highlight how Dr. King’s legacy inspires leadership, justice, and service in action.
Following the panel, we’ll invite all attendees to reflect on the week’s theme—“One Dream. One Doane. Building Leaders Through Justice”—and commit to their own Call to Action. Set your personal goals and next steps for making a meaningful impact, both locally and beyond.
Celebrate the voices of our students and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and the motivation to lead with justice.