Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Community Events

January 16 to 19, 2026

Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Across Delaware, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, schools, and volunteers are coming together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through reflection, education, and service.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Organization Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice
Location Epworth United Methodist Church
Date January 16, 2026
Time 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, doors open at 6:15 pm

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice invites you to the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, honoring Dr. King and civil rights leaders such as John Lewis, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Andrew Young.

Proceeds support Charlotte King Scholarships for high school seniors, four 1,500 dollar awards in Spring 2026, and Academic Achievement Awards for middle school students.

The evening will feature music, performances, inspirational commentary, and youth highlights celebrating truth, history, and the next generation of leaders.

Featuring

• Paul Williams of WRDE, keynote
• Alliance Singers of Camp Rehoboth
• Milford High School Choir
• Rev. John Moore, MLK speech rendition
• Councilwoman RogJenea Fisher, Rosa Parks tribute
• MC Calvin Jackson
• Cape Henlopen High School Drum Line

Interested in volunteering? Volunteer information and sign up

Tickets available: Purchase tickets on Eventbrite

Monday, January 19, 2026

APRI DE Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast

Organization Philip Randolph Institute Delaware Chapter
Date January 19, 2026
Time 8:00 am
Location Executive Conference and Banquet Center, 205 Executive Drive, Newark, DE 19702

Join for a heartfelt morning of reflection and unity at the APRI DE Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast as they honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Come together with our community to celebrate Dr. King's message of equality, justice, and peace.

Start your day with prayer, music, and fellowship as we commemorate the impact of this influential leader. We look forward to seeing you there.

The keynote speaker for this year’s breakfast will be the Magnificent Fleur McKendell, NAACP State President, and worship leadership will be provided by the dynamic Ms. Sade' Truit.

Tickets available: APRI DE Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast Tickets

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Statewide Day of Service

Date Monday, January 19, 2026
Time 7:45 am
Location Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Join the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Day of Service, a morning of reflection, inspiration, and community action honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. King.

This year’s keynote speakers are the dynamic father daughter duo Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein, whose groundbreaking work continues Dr. King’s mission of equity and justice.

Details and registration: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Statewide Day of Service Tickets

14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Clean Up, Peace March, and Celebration

Organization Westside Grows Together
Date Monday, January 19, 2026
Location MSK Community Center
Address 1009 Sycamore Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

As a volunteer at the 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Clean Up, Peace March, and Celebration, you may help with:

• Serving food and supporting hospitality for guests
• Assisting vendors with set up, breakdown, and coverage for breaks
• Directing guests and helping families navigate the event
• Supporting event set up and breakdown throughout the day
• Distributing community clean up supplies
• Monitoring poster making and family activities
• Pitching in wherever needed to help the day run smoothly

Volunteers help create a welcoming, organized, and joyful space for hundreds of neighbors to gather in service and celebration.

Volunteer and more information: Westside Grows Together MLK Day

3rd Annual MLK Packing Party

Organization I Support the Girls Delaware
Date January 19, 2026
Location Cambria Hotel, 17222 Hood Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Help assemble and pack socks, bras, pads, and tampons for people in need. Bring friends, neighbors, a donation, or just yourself. We are excited to pack away for a good cause. Directions and supplies will be provided.

Questions: istg.delaware@gmail.com

Event information: I Support the Girls Delaware on Facebook

Delaware State Parks MLK Day of Service Projects

Delaware State Parks is honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day through hands on service projects across the state. Each park is hosting a different stewardship activity focused on protecting natural spaces and improving access for the community.

MLK Day of Service – Brandywine State Park

When January 19, 2026
Time 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where 200 North Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802

Volunteers will spend two hours using provided loppers and pruners to cut invasive vines from trees in the wooded areas of the park. This work helps free trees from damaging growth and protects the park’s ecosystem.

Parking is located across the street from the Brandywine Zoo. The meeting place is the Josephine Fountain.

Registration required by January 18, 2026: MLK Day of Service Brandywine State Park

MLK Day of Service – 75 Years of Stewardship at Lums Pond State Park

When January 19, 2026
Time 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where Mile Loop Trail, 1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701

In honor of Delaware State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, Lums Pond State Park is launching a four part volunteer series throughout 2026 celebrating service, stewardship, and community, beginning on MLK Day.

Volunteers will help trim back overgrowth and remove invasive plants along the Mile Loop Trail, improving access while protecting native ecosystems.

Registration required by January 19, 2026: MLK Day of Service Lums Pond State Park

MLK Day of Service – Trap Pond State Park

When January 19, 2026
Time 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where 15702 Jason Beach Road, Laurel, DE 19956

Volunteers will assist with:

• Picking up litter
• Removing staples, tape, and other materials from pavilions
• Removing fishing line from trees and shrubbery
• Cleaning kiosk and display boards
• Rearranging picnic tables
• Completing other tasks to refresh the area

Registration required by January 15, 2026: MLK Day of Service Trap Pond State Park

MLK Day of Service – White Clay Creek State Park

When Monday, January 19, 2026
Time 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where Judge Morris Estate Parking Lot, 110 Polly Drummond Hill Road

Work will range from hand pulling small plants to removing large shrubs and cutting and piling plant debris. This is a great opportunity to learn more about invasive plants and the ecology of the park.

This volunteer effort has won awards from the State of Delaware and has received numerous grants for its dedication to park stewardship.

Registration required by January 18, 2026: MLK Day of Service White Clay Creek