Graphic illustration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in profile on the left against a bright blue background, with bold purple and pink text on the right that reads "MLK 2027."

MLK Day 2027: The Power of the Beloved Community

Tuesday, January 26, 2027 | Bentley University

Join the Bentley community as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. MLK Day 2027 will bring students, faculty, staff and alumni together for meaningful conversations, shared experiences and opportunities to explore this year's theme, The Power of the Beloved Community.

The day will begin with Bentley's 41st annual MLK Breakfast, followed by learning sessions, workshops and activities throughout the day.

What Is the Beloved Community?

For Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Beloved Community was a realistic and achievable vision of a world rooted in justice, inclusion, love, trust, nonviolence and reconciliation. As The King Center explains, building this vision requires moving beyond fear and division, confronting injustice and working together to create lasting change.

Rooted in Bentley's Core Values, MLK Day encourages us to put this vision into action by listening openly, learning from one another and making a positive impact on campus and beyond.

Launched at the 2025 MLK event, 50 Voices of Change honors activists from all 50 states through canvas portraits. The completed project will be unveiled and discussed during this session.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars! Download the calendar invitation to save the date for this exciting full-day event.

Save the Date

Registration Opening Soon!

Registration for MLK Day 2027 will open in mid-November. Check back soon to explore the day's sessions and programming, and reserve your spot!

What to Expect

Talks and Panels

Engaging discussions on racial and social justice, featuring research, personal perspectives and student voices.

Workshops

Interactive sessions exploring inclusive learning, storytelling, meaningful dialogue and racial healing.

Performances and Exhibitions

Creative expressions through music, dance, theater, film and art.

Drop-in Spaces

Opportunities for creative expression, quiet reflection, service and wellbeing.

Past Celebrations

2025 Celebrating Legacy: Bentley Honors Martin Luther King Jr.

Bentley University’s 2025 MLK Day of Social Justice began with the 39th annual MLK Breakfast, themed “Action for Justice,” and opened with a community reading of Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize speech. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered at “The Embrace” monument in Boston to honor Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.

2026 MLK Day

Bentley University’s 2026 MLK Day of Celebration, Listening and Learning marked the 40th anniversary of the university’s annual observance. Centered on the theme “Linked in Hope, Purpose and Achievement,” the day brought together more than 1,400 members of the Bentley community for student reflections, panels, artistic programs and more than 40 learning sessions honoring Dr. King’s legacy.