NAAM’s annual King Day celebration returns in 2026 to honor the life, legacy, and enduring call to action of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our theme for King Day and throughout the year is Forward Together, with Courage as Our Compass.
At pivotal moments in history, progress demands courage. In his final book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, Dr. King challenged the nation to consider what kind of society we would build. That question remains urgent today as communities face uncertainty, widening inequality, and renewed struggles over truth, belonging, and democracy.
Throughout 2026, NAAM’s programs, exhibitions, and public gatherings will explore courage as a collective force rooted in Black history, creativity, and resilience. This theme invites reflection on courageous acts of the past and asks what courage requires of us now as we work toward justice, dignity, and shared responsibility.
The Northwest African American Museum remains a cornerstone for meaningful community engagement, a place where history is active, culture informs conscience, and memory fuels movement. As we look ahead to King Day 2026, Forward Together, with Courage as Our Compass calls on each of us to participate in shaping the community we seek to become.
