NAAM’s annual King Day celebration returns in 2026 to honor the life, legacy, and enduring call to action of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our theme for King Day and throughout the year is Forward Together, with Courage as Our Compass.
At pivotal moments in history, progress demands courage. In his final book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, Dr. King challenged the nation to consider what kind of society we would build. That question remains urgent today as communities face uncertainty, widening inequality, and renewed struggles over truth, belonging, and democracy.
At a moment when our society is grappling with polarization, historical amnesia, and profound questions about democracy and community, Dr. King’s words offer both clarity and urgency. Understanding American history—truthfully and fully—is not about looking backward; it is about equipping ourselves to meet the present with wisdom, responsibility, and courage. History helps us see how we arrived here, whose voices shaped the nation, and how ordinary people have repeatedly expanded the meaning of freedom.
Throughout 2026, NAAM’s programs, exhibitions, and public gatherings will explore courage as a collective force rooted in Black history, creativity, and resilience. This theme invites reflection on courageous acts of the past and asks what courage requires of us now as we work toward justice, dignity, and shared responsibility.
The Northwest African American Museum remains a cornerstone for meaningful community engagement, a place where history is active, culture informs conscience, and memory fuels movement. As we look ahead to King Day 2026, Forward Together, with Courage as Our Compass calls on each of us to participate in shaping the community we seek to become.
King Day at NAAM is designed to honor that tradition of civic learning and collective action. On January 19, 2026, we are proud to offer a full day of free, family-friendly programming, including:
The opening of two new exhibitions
Book and prize giveaways for youth and adults
Arts & crafts activities inspired by Dr. King’s vision
A Community Resource Expo featuring local organizations
Conversations with local leaders working every day to strengthen our communities
We hope you will join us as we honor Dr. King’s legacy and move forward together, guided by courage and anchored in history.
“Power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve purpose.”
~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? (1967)
Dr. King’s "Where do we go from here?" Speech
In August 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the 11th Annual Student Christian Leadership Congress (SCLC) in Atlanta, Georgia before over 100 Black leaders.
In his address, he asked the question, “Where Do we Go From Here?”. He eloquently talked about the major accomplishments and tasks ahead for SCLC. Dr. King urged Black leaders to organize and register voters in order to elect individuals who would address Black Americans’ social, political and economic issues.
Within a year Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be assassinated while protesting for universal living wages on behalf of Memphis sanitation workers.
Interactive Story Time
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier. The children's book brings to life the story of one of the most influential civil rights leaders of all time, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Knowledge is Power: Children's Book Giveaway
NAAM has curated books that teach all children the rich history of Black Americans.
On King Day, we will give away hundreds of new books to local youth. We will continue to distribute free books each month throughout the region. In honor of Dr. King, please consider a monetary donation to the Book Fund and help advance racial equity.
