Imagery of MLK speaking to an audience, with the quote displayed to the left "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve."

2026 Schedule of Events

2026 event updates and additional opportunities will be listed here. Check back in closer to Jan. 2026! 

2025 Service Opportunities

Iowa City Free Lunch Program

Jan. 16 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Volunteers will prepare and serve nutritious meals using their own food or the food from local restaurants, grocery stores, and food distributors.

Weeklong Food and Basic Needs Drive

Make a real difference for the campus and community by donating items and time to Food Pantry at Iowa and Shelter House. Learn more at the link below. 

Resource Drive Kit Assembly

  • Jan. 20, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Room 260 IMU

Compile donations from the weeklong resource drive by assembling Resource Kits for those in need before sending them off to Shelter House and Food Pantry at Iowa!

A Celebration of Human Rights

Recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthdate has been a tradition at the University of Iowa since 1969, and the national holiday has been observed through human rights programs since its inception in 1986. In 1990, the university initiated the Human Rights Convocation Program. Afternoon classes were canceled to encourage student, faculty, and staff participation in programs that encourage dialogue about diversity and reinforce the principle that the university is a forum for the free exchange of ideas. The convocation has been an opportunity for serious thinking by all of us about issues of social justice, human rights, and world peace.

An official university holiday was designated in 1995 to provide the university community with an opportunity to engage in a discussion about the human values that Dr. King epitomizes. These initial events have grown into a campus and community celebration that includes lectures, discussions, and cultural arts presentations. All events are free and open to the public.

If you would like more information, please contact mlk-celebration@uiowa.edu 

Download 2025 Materials

dr. martin luther king jr.

Social media graphics

Help spread the word using these graphics on your social media channels. 

dr. martin luther king jr. celebration of human rights

11x17 Digital and Print Flyer

Show your support for the Celebration of Human Rights Week with this digital PDF for print. 

dr. martin luther king jr. human rights event schedule

Digital display

Let people know about your event with this digital display.