Colorado Springs Will Commemorate MLK Day 2026 Amid Historic National and State Anniversaries
- PPDC
- 9 hours ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Springs Will Commemorate MLK Day 2026 Amid Historic National and State Anniversaries
“Mission Possible II - Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way”
Colorado Springs, CO - January 2026 - Each year, Colorado Springs honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a citywide observance dedicated to unity, justice, and nonviolence. This year’s celebration carries added meaning as it takes place during a historic dual milestone: The United States’ 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and Colorado’s 150th Anniversary of Statehood.
Colorado is the only state in the nation marking both anniversaries in the same year - an unprecedented moment known as the Sesquisemiquincentennial. Statewide efforts are being led in Colorado by the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, coordinating commemorative events from July 2025 through the end of 2026.
Against this backdrop of reflection and renewal, Colorado Springs will gather under the strategic theme: “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
MLK DAY EVENTS — JANUARY 19, 2026
MLK Prayer Breakfast & Freedom March
📍 The Antlers Hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave
🕖 Doors 7:00 a.m. Program 8:00 a.m.
🎟️ Free with registration - Click here to RSVP
The keynote speaker for the breakfast will be Yolanda Renee King, granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. A nationally known youth activist, author, and public speaker, Yolanda continues her grandparents’ legacy by advocating for nonviolence, democracy, gun safety, and voting rights.
A 'Fireside" Chat with Yolanda Renee King - January 18, 2026
📍 ENT Center for the Arts
🕒 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
🎟️ Free with registration - Click here to RSVP
Yolanda Renee King will lead this Educational Panel. Yolanda has embraced her family’s mission by becoming a youth activist, public speaker, and author who inspires new generations to stand for justice, peace, and equality.
Yolanda has spoken at major national events, including the March for Our Lives Rally in Washington, D.C., where she delivered an enthusiastic speech about her dream of a world free from violence and hate. She has also appeared on programs and panels promoting youth civic engagement and the importance of love-centered leadership.
In 2023, Yolanda co-authored the illustrated children’s book We Dream a World, inspired by her family’s legacy and her personal vision for a peaceful, equitable world. Her message continues to inspire millions through appearances, public readings, and her active role in The King Center’s educational outreach.
Yolanda embodies the belief that “nonviolence is a love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation.” Her visit to Colorado Springs in 2026 reflects her commitment to uplifting youth voices and empowering communities to unite the nation through compassion and courage. Yolanda Renee King will speak with young leaders about conflict resolution, civic engagement, and their role in shaping the America and Colorado of the next 150–250 years.
Why This Year Matters
As the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission works statewide to coordinate commemorative events from July 2025 through the end of 2026 – the MLK Legacy Committee emphasizes that this year’s MLK observance invites Coloradans to:
Recommit to the ideals foundational to both the nation and state,
Explore our shared history as we look forward to the next century,
Engage in civic progress that is rooted in unity, dignity, and respect.
As the nation and Colorado reflect on freedom through these important celebrations, Dr. King’s teachings offer a powerful lens to view our nation, state, and communities:
“Nonviolence is a love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to transformation—personal, cultural, and societal.”
Presented in partnership with:
Pikes Peak Diversity Council (PPDC): Pikes Peak Diversity Council (PPDC): The PPDC identifies, cultivates, and convenes community-focused stakeholders to promote a shared vision for an inclusive and healthy society. The Council strengthens relationships built on trust, respect, and appreciation for diverse talents and perspectives.
MLK Jr. Legacy Preservation Society: Dedicated to advancing Dr. King’s mission, the Society inspires individuals and organizations to uphold the values of justice, equality, and nonviolence through education, activism, and dialogue.
NAACP – Colorado Springs: The NAACP continues its mission to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination across the nation.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS): A premier comprehensive research university, UCCS provides students with academically rigorous and life-enriching experiences while broadening access to higher education for the benefit of southern Colorado and beyond.
Media Contact:
MLK Legacy Committee Communications Team:
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