Civil Rights Icon Dr. Diane Nash and MI Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden to Headline Day of Celebration

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan announced today that Diane Nash, one of the most influential architects of the modern Civil Rights Movement, will return to Lansing as a featured speaker for its 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration, alongside Kyra Harris Bolden, who will serve as the event’s keynote speaker.

The Day of Celebration will take place Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. More than 1,600 attendees are expected at what is recognized as the nation’s largest MLK Day luncheon.

Honoring a Living Legend of the Movement

Dr. Nash’s presence brings extraordinary historical weight to the 2026 celebration. As a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Nash led the first successful campaign to desegregate lunch counters in Nashville, helped coordinate the Freedom Rides, and played a pivotal role in the Selma Voting Rights Movement—efforts that directly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Nash previously served as keynote speaker for the Commission’s Day of Celebration in 2018. Her return comes at a moment of national reflection, as the event also marks the 40th anniversary of the first nationwide observance of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in 1986.

“Dr. Diane Nash is not just a witness to history—she is one of its architects,” said Elaine Hardy, chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan. “Her courage, moral clarity and unwavering commitment to nonviolence embody the very essence of Dr. King’s teachings. To welcome her back during this milestone year is both a profound honor and a powerful reminder of what principled leadership looks like.”

A Keynote Voice for Justice Today

Serving as keynote speaker, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden represents the continued evolution of Dr. King’s call for justice in action. Appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2023, Bolden is the first Black woman to serve on the state’s highest court.

Before joining the bench, Bolden served in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she built a reputation as a bipartisan leader on criminal justice reform. Her legislative work included reforms to the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act, protections for survivors of domestic violence, and prison reform legislation addressing the medically frail.

“Justice Bolden’s life and career reflect the ongoing work Dr. King called us to do—transforming institutions so they better serve justice, dignity and humanity,” Hardy said. “Her work reminds us that justice is not abstract or symbolic. It lives in our laws, our courts and our willingness to ensure fairness and dignity for every person. Her voice is especially meaningful as we gather at the intersection of history and responsibility.”

Theme and Significance

The 2026 theme is: “Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

While the Day of Celebration enters its 41st year, the dual milestone of the federal holiday’s 40th anniversary underscores the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s legacy—and the importance of lifting leaders who exemplify that legacy across generations.

In addition to featured remarks and the keynote address, the program will include musical performances and the formal recognition of winners of the Commission’s 2026 scholarship and student essay contests, highlighting its longstanding commitment to youth leadership and education. Tickets can be purchased at mlkmidmichigan.com/tickets.

Event Details

What: 41st Annual MLK Day of Celebration Luncheon

When: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 | 11 a.m.

Where: Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933

Tickets: mlkmidmichigan.com/tickets