This page is currently under construction. Be sure to check back as we continue to update the schedule events over the coming days.
Individuals requiring accommodations should please contact us at unitycenter@ithaca.edu as soon as possible.
2026 MLK Campus-Wide Celebration Schedule of Events
Learn more about the events and programs occurring on-campus as we recognize and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Fanfare for the Common Man
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6:30 PM | Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) Annual Black History Month Talent Show
Location: Event held off-campus at Hangar Theatre
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6:00 PM | ASA Gala 2026
Location: Emerson Suites (Campus Center)
Event Description: Join the IC African Students Association for a night all about celebrating the beauty and diversity of Africa
Admission is Free. Get your digital ticket here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asa-gala-2026-tickets-1981353785509?aff=oddtdtcreator
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5:30 PM | Radical Christianity Against Injustice (Panel Discussion)
Location: Klingenstein Lounge (Campus Center)
Event Description: Join us for a Panel Discussion in Collaboration with IC’s Protestant Chaplains. Explore theological perspectives of progressive Christianity on resistance, nonviolence, and the fight against systemic oppression. This event is open to all regardless of religious affiliation wanting to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue.
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6:00 PM | MLK Celebration Week Keynote Speaker Cecil J. Williams
Location: Emerson Suites (Campus Center)
Event Description: Witness the awe-inspiring story of South Carolinian Civil Rights Leader, Photographer, Author and Historian, Cecil J. Williams. Williams is the founder of the first and only Civil Rights Museum in South Carolina where his work is on full display. Get a glimpse of his work during the MLK Celebration Week Keynote, captured in his own words and photo collection.
Community members: Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
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6:00 PM | MLK Scholar Civil and Human Rights Presentation
Location: Emerson Suites (Campus Center)
Event Description: Learn about the untold and redacted history of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond from the First-Year MLK Scholars' reflections on their experiences speaking with Civil Rights leaders and exploring various historical sites.
Also, learn from the Junior & Senior Scholars' reflections on their Human Rights Tour in Washington D.C.
Flow of Show:
- Doors open at 5:30PM
- First-Years will present on stage at 6PM
- Juniors & Seniors will display their work fair-style throughout the space!
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5:30 PM | MLK Celebration Week X BAHHM Movie Screening of "Sinners"
Location: Textor Hall #102
Event Description: Join the Unity Center and Ithaca College DKA Professional Cinematic Society in this special screening of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (2025) as part of our MLK Celebration week and BAHHM festivities. Sinners is a supernatural horror film filled with drama, action, music & historical themes.
Doors open: 5:30 PM
Movie starts: 6PM
Free Popcorn!
Sinners is rated R due to explicit language, gore, sexual scenes, and violence.
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6:00 PM | Black/African American History Heritage Month Jeopardy
Location: Emerson Suites (Campus Center)
Event Description:
Think you know Black history? Put your knowledge to the test in an electrifying Jeopardy-style game show! Gather your squad or compete solo for a chance to win exciting prizes while celebrating Black excellence, culture, and history. This jeopardy event will be hosted by the MLK Scholars. Come enjoy fun, friends, snacks, and prizes!
Don’t just sit on the sidelines—come play, cheer, and celebrate! Who will take the crown? Be there or hear about it!
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3:00 PM | Toni Morrison Marker Unveiling
Location: TBD
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5:00 PM | MLK Shabbat Services and Dinner
Location: Emerson Suites (Campus Center)
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10:00 AM | Students for Social Change Retreat
Location: Taughannock Falls Room (Campus Center)
Event Description:
The Students for Social Change Retreat is designed to empower students to explore their passions in social justice, understand the rich history of student activism, learn from experienced activists, and equip themselves with the tools and strategies needed to create meaningful change. Throughout the day, students will engage with expert speakers, participate in dynamic workshops, and collaborate with peers to discover how they can contribute to the social justice movements that matter to them.
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6:00 PM | BSU Celebrating Black Voices Gala
Location: Emerson Suites (Campus Center)
Event Description: IC BSU proudly presents the Celebrating Black Voices Gala — an evening dedicated to honoring Black culture, excellence, and expression. Join us for a night of community, celebration, and empowerment featuring delicious food, live music, special guest speakers, energetic dance performances, and exciting raffles (including a TV!).
Dress to impress in semi-formal attire and come ready to celebrate Black voices past, present, and future. This gala is a space to connect, uplift one another, and recognize the impact of Black voices within our campus and the broader community.
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12:00 PM | Black and African History Month Taste of Home Potluck
Location: The Unity Center (Campus Center 3rd Floor #339)
Event Description: Join The Unity Center for an exploration of cultural dishes from across the African diaspora!
Share all allergies and dietary restrictions through the IC Engage RSVP Link by Thursday, February 12th. We will accommodate to the best of our ability.
