NEWS

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2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Monday, January 19, 2026 10:00 a.m. 
Town Hall & Community Center Auditorium
251 South Street

The Town of Davidson will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026, in the Davidson Town Hall & Community Center Auditorium at 251 South Street. Music performed by the North Carolina Youth Orchestra will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 10:00 a.m.

This year, we are honoring the King Center’s national theme: Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way. Our goal is to unite the community in celebrating Dr. King’s enduring legacy through an inspirational and impactful program held in his honor.

We are honored to announce the 2026 Keynote Speaker as Reverend Aurrita Payne. A self-described bridge builder, Rev. Payne is a pastor, nonprofit executive, and community advocate committed to restoring hope, building equity, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. In addition to her role as Pastor at St. John AME Zion Church, Rev. Payne also serves as the President & CEO of Unity in Community – North Meck, state lead for Repairers of the Breach, and the Community Connections Coordinator at the Ada Jenkins Center. Her work focuses on strengthening community partnerships and empowering families across North Mecklenburg.

The Master of Ceremony for the event is Rev. Daniel Heath, JD, Associate Chaplain and Director of the Davidson Forum at Davidson College. Davidson native, Gerald Carr, will be this year's Guest Speaker.  Program participants include Rev. Dr. Peter Henry of Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Mark Curtis of Inclusion Church, and Rev. Dr. William McKenith of Reeves Temple AME Zion Church. In addition, a special performance is planned by the Mt. Olive Liturgical Dance Ministry and community members who will share a vocal performance and a reading.

Immediately following the program, please plan to continue this time of fellowship and reflection at a reception in the lobby of Town Hall, generously sponsored by Davidson College.

Our friends at Davidson College also invite you to continue your commemoration by visiting the Oak Row Exhibition on campus, across from the "With These Hands" memorial sculpture. Dr. Hilary Green, James B. Duke Professor of Africana Studies and Davidson College's public historian, will be at the exhibition offering her insights.

For more information, please visit the town website.

The Town of Davidson offices at Town Hall & Community Center (251 South Street) will be closed for official business on Monday, January 19 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for regular 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. business hours.