Featured photo by DWilliam from Pixabay
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist issued a proclamation declaring Monday, January 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Michigan. Dr. King was a civil rights activist and leader, who dedicated his life to fighting for equality, justice and opportunity for all.
“For 40 years, Michigan has proudly honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a great American whose courage and vision continues to inspire us all,” said Governor Whitmer. “Dr. King fought against injustice, discrimination, and hate, and was a proud American patriot who brought our nation closer to its highest ideals. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I encourage every Michigander to reflect on the life of Dr. King and how we can all work together to build a more just, free, and prosperous Michigan. By following his example today and every day, we can build on his legacy and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us the power of courage, conviction, and community in driving meaningful change and helping every person achieve health and wealth,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor. “Dr. King stood for justice and pressed relentlessly for progress on issues like poverty, economic opportunity, and voting. I encourage every Michigander to spend time today giving back and improving our communities. Let us keep standing tall for an equitable, prosperous, and just Michigan where everyone can reach their full potential.”
“Dr. King understood that the work of justice is never finished. As we see renewed efforts to undermine civil rights at the federal and state levels, we must honor his legacy by standing resolutely for equity, equality and the dignity of every person,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. “Now more than ever, we must lead with civility while remaining firm in defending what is right.”
“On June 23, 1963, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched with a coalition of Detroiters and allies, lifting up a bold vision for dignity and opportunity in American cities,” said Kevin Jones, Co-Chair of Black Leadership Advisory Council. “During that march, he shared an early version of what would become his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Today, we honor his legacy by carrying that vision forward across Michigan. It’s a commitment our state continues to make by centering Black voices in shaping policy, practice, and progress.”
“At a time when our most basic constitutional rights and rule of law are under threat, let us reflect on Bernice King’s reminder that the most authentic way to honor her father ‘…is to commit to the work of creating a more peaceful, just, humane world. Let quotes coincide with conscious efforts to eradicate poverty, militarism and racism…,’” said Loren Khogali, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.
“We join the State of Michigan in honoring the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Executive Board of the Macomb County Ministerial Alliance affirms that Dr. King’s legacy is not merely one to be remembered, but one to be lived,” said Executive Board, Macomb County Ministerial Alliance. “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and opportunity for all continues to challenge our conscience and call us to action. On this Dr. King Day, we encourage every resident of Macomb County and the entire state to reflect, to serve, and to work collectively toward building communities rooted in dignity, unity, and hope for generations to come.”
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the first observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a U.S. federal holiday.
View full proclamation here.
NOTE FROM EDITOR: There are several Martin Luther King Jr. Day events that have or will take place locally.
Read about the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library’s 41st Annual community celebration here soon, at theflintcouriernews.com!
