Special Events and Receptions

  • 1/19 MLK Holiday Commission "Keeping the Dream Alive"

    STATE OF CONNECTICUT

    MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY COMMISSION

    2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

    “KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE”

    Honoring Dr. King’s 97th Birthday & Celebrating the Commission’s 40th Anniversary

    In 2026, the Connecticut Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission commemorates the 97th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrates its 40th Anniversary. Established in 1986, the Commission advances Dr. King’s legacy statewide by promoting the principles he championed and sustaining programs that keep his dream alive for future generations.

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    EVENT DETAILS

    Monday, January 19, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Connecticut State Capitol | Hartford, Connecticut Bell Ringing Ceremony – 12:00 noon

    FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER

    Jeffrey Hines, M.D. Vice President, Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights University of Connecticut & UConn Health

    THERE WIL BE A MUSICAL TRIBUTE & MUSICAL SELECTIONS

    Soloists: Shane Davis of Bloomfield • Christopher Dukes of Hartford • Reverend Joquan Kinsey of Waterbury• Charles Taylor, Saxophone Tribute, Watkinson School, West Hartford.

    INVITED GUESTS INCLUDE Governor Ned Lamont, constitutional officers, members of the Connecticut General Assembly Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Kid Governor and Cabinet, mayors, and dignitaries from across the state

    For more information, contact: Kelly Schlabach at Kelly.Schlabach@UConn.edu