Save the Date

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”                                                                                                                                         Martin Luther King, Jr., March for Integrated Schools, April 18, 1959.
MLK Celebration Kennett Square 2026 | America250
​Event Details & Information

We are honored to welcome the community to the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Kennett High School. This milestone event continues our tradition of bringing people together to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy and to recognize those who carry his work forward in our time.

This year’s celebration also marks the local launch of America250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. By uniting the values of Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and beloved community with the founding ideals of our nation, the celebration will invite attendees to reflect on both our progress and the work that remains in building a more perfect union.
The day will feature the 25th Annual Fellowship Breakfast, Keynote Speaker, and "Be A King" Volunteer Fair, along with community leaders, public officials, and neighbors gathering to honor Dr. King’s memory and renew our shared commitment to service. Tickets are available at www.mlkcommunity.org.


Below you’ll find everything you need to know to attend the celebration.

Ticket Information

Please note: Tickets will not be sold at the door.
All tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.mlkcommunity.org
This annual event sells out quickly. We encourage you to reserve your seat early.

Event Details

Event: The 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Kennett Square
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Theme:  "Lift Every Voice, 1776-2026"
Location: Kennett High School, 100 E. South Street, Kennett Square, PA 19358, located in beautiful southern Chester County 28 miles west of Philadelphia, PA, and 12 miles north of Wilmington, DE.
Doors Open: 9:00 AM
Program Begins: 10:00 AM

Guests will enjoy a morning of inspiration, recognition, and community unity. The program includes breakfast, a keynote address, performances, and the presentation of the Mabel Latta Thompson Community Service Award.

Honoree & Keynote
  • Community Service Award Honoree: To be announced
  • Keynote Speaker: Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, National President of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History
We look forward to announcing the honoree in the coming weeks. Please check back for updates.

Parking & Entrance
Complimentary parking is available in the main parking lot in front of the school. 

Event Attire
Business attire is recommended. Guests typically wear business casual clothing.

​Become a Sponsor of the 2026 MLK Day Celebration in Kennett Square!

Businesses and organizations are invited to support this inspiring community event honoring Dr. King’s legacy of justice, unity, and service. Review the sponsorship levels here and join us in making a lasting impact. Contact us today to become a sponsor.

Participate in the Free "Be A King" Volunteer Fair

Volunteerism is at the heart of Dr. King's philosophy, and the purpose of the "Be a King" Volunteer Fair is to introduce people to ways they can become actively involved in civic and community programs. The Volunteer Fair is free and open to the public! Click for registration forms for community partners and volunteers.
 
Questions?
For more information, contact the MLK Celebration Committee:
📧 [email protected]
📞 215-820-1164

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and honor the legacy of Dr. King. Thank you for being part of this vital tradition in Kennett Square this year, where it all began, by our founder, Mabel Latta Thompson.