Chapel Hill's Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Community Service and Civic Engagement

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Chapel Hill Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Community Service and Civic Engagement

Local Events Inspire Education, Leadership, and Shared Responsibility

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Chapel Hill transcends mere remembrance, evolving into a dynamic call for community service and civic engagement.

Residents are encouraged to actively participate in initiatives that foster education, leadership, and a culture of shared responsibility.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Celebration will take place at The Friday Conference Center from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

This event, themed "the time is now," will feature a keynote address by retired Superior Court Judge Carl Fox, who dedicated 42 years to North Carolina’s judicial system.

Since 1993, the MLK University/Community Planning Corporation has awarded over 370 scholarships to local students committed to community improvement through civic, educational, and religious activities.

These scholarships emphasize financial need and are awarded without regard to race, religion, or creed.

In addition to the memorial celebration, the community is invited to participate in the MLK Service Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Volunteers will gather at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall to be assigned to various mission sites across the community, including TABLE, Emanuel Food Pantry, SECU House, Durham Community Food Pantry, Note in the Pocket, and cooking for the Chapel Hill White Flag emergency shelter.

Participants are asked to bring three one-pound bags of rice and three one-pound bags of beans for TABLE.

Space is limited to 100 volunteers, and individuals of all ages are welcome.

These events underscore the belief that communities thrive when individuals contribute their time, skills, and attention to their surroundings.

By engaging in local action, Chapel Hill residents honor Dr. King's legacy, transforming the day into a catalyst for ongoing community involvement and improvement.

For more information on the memorial celebration and to purchase tickets or a banquet table, please visit the MLK University/Community Planning Corporation's website.

To register for the MLK Service Day, please complete the form available online.

Embrace this opportunity to make a meaningful impact and continue the tradition of volunteer culture and civic engagement in Chapel Hill.