The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) proudly announces the 40th official King Holiday Observance (KHO) event schedule, culminating in the celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday on January 20th, 2025. This year marks what would have been Dr. King’s 96th birthday.  The official KHO theme is Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365. This theme honors Dr. King’s unwavering dedication to justice and equality through nonviolent action.  It serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding freedom, justice, and democracy is achievable when we unite in love and nonviolence.  Join us in advancing Dr. King’s vision by advocating for a world where these values are upheld through peaceful means. Together, we can make this mission possible in 2025 and beyond! 

• Starting January 7th, The King Center will host an exciting array of events for King Holiday week! Highlights include Nonviolence365® training for adults, a Beloved Community Youth Book Reading, the Beloved Community Global Summit and Youth Summit, and the MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards. The week will culminate with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service, featuring keynote speaker Reverend William Barber.

• We are thrilled to announce the confirmed 2025 MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Award recipients: Jenifer Lewis, actress, singer, author, and activist; Nadia Murad, Nobel Peace Laureate and President of Nadia’s Initiative; Morris Brown College, accepted by President Dr. Kevin E. James; PSYONIC, accepted by CEO and Founder Dr. Aadeel Akhtar; and Black Voters Matter, accepted by Co-Founders LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright; and a host of other laudable recipients and performers.

• January 7^th- KHO Press Conference (Invitation Only)

• January 8^th- 2025 KHO Kickoff Reception & Book Signing (In-Person and open to the public)

• January 11^th- MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards (In-Person and open to the public) (Event Ticket Required)

• January 13^th- Nonviolence365® Training* (Virtual)

• January 14^th- Nonviolence365® Training* (Virtual)

• January 14^th- Beloved Community Youth Book Reading* (Virtual and open for students K-5th)

• January 15^th- Beloved Community Global Summit* (Hybrid and open to the public)

• January 16^th- Beloved Community Global Youth Summit* (Hybrid and open to the public)

• January 17^th- Beloved Community Teach-In* (Downloadable lesson plans available for K-12 educators)

• January 17^th- MLK Advisory Council Event (Private Event)

• January 20^th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (In-person and open to the public, will be broadcast and streamed)

• January 20^{th –} Beloved Community Service Project (In-Person and open to the public)

For more information, registration, ticket purchase, and up-to-date details about KHO 2025, please visit King Holiday 2025 - The King Center

(*) Requires Registration