Local foundations prepare for 40th annual MLK celebration

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Project Impact South Bend Heritage, in partnership with the MLK Foundation, hosted a press conference to announce events for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr, Community Celebration. 

The celebration marks the 40th annual observation of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday, which will be observed on January 19.

Organizers shared details about a full day of events honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy. Planned activities include a community breakfast, educational workshops, traditional march, youth program, and other meaningful events taking place throughout the day.

Gladys Muhammad, President of the Matin Luther King Jr. Foundation of St. Joseph County, stated, "Just come on out and help us celebrate. Come out and meet new people. Come out with South Bend and Mishawaka working together to celebrate Dr King's Day. It's a great day. And people have fun. The children always have fun. We always work together. We have 40, over 40 vendors, and they come and they can sell their stuff, and a lot of them are not for profit agencies that are giving away information that you can use throughout the year."