Each year on the third Monday of January, our nation pauses to reflect on the life, legacy, and enduring impact of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What began as a campaign by civil rights leaders after his assassination has grown into a federal holiday that encourages not just remembrance, but active engagement with the principles of equity, justice, and service that Dr. King championed.
For law students, MLK Day is more than a (well timed) day off at the start of the spring semester. Rather, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to justice under law. Dr. King’s activism shaped pivotal legal reforms in American history, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His belief that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” continues to resonate within America’s legal institutions.
In recognition of MLK Day, the law library has curated a featured print book collection focused on Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement, and civil rights advocacy more broadly. This collection highlights works that explore the legal, historical, and moral foundations of the movement, as well as its ongoing influence on law, policy, and social justice today.
The MLK Jr. & Civil Rights Advocacy display is located on the second floor of the library and is available for browsing and checkout. These materials are available for coursework, personal reflection, or further study of the legal foundations of the Civil Rights Movement.
Finally, on Tuesday, January 20th, the University of Richmond will host its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. This event brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and engage in dialogue about justice, service, and belonging.
The celebration will take place at 6 p.m. in Ukrop Auditorium at the Robins School of Business, with a reception to follow. Admission is free and open to all, and no registration is required, though attendees are encouraged to arrive early as seating is limited.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., President of Virginia State University. Dr. Abdullah is a nationally respected leader in higher education whose work emphasizes student success, access, excellence, and social justice. His remarks are expected to offer insight into leadership, civic responsibility, and the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s vision. For more information on this program, please check the University’s event page.
While the start of the spring semester is undoubtedly busy, we encourage students to take time this weekend to reflect thoughtfully on Dr. King’s life and activism. As future legal professionals, the principles of equity, justice, and service are foundational, and this moment offers an opportunity to consider how your legal education and career can help advance those ideals.
