Southern Oregon Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
MLK Day next year is Monday, January 18, 2027
Watch our entire 2026 celebration above. Main program starts at 50:54
Theme: “The time is always right to do right. We are all tied together in a single Garment of Destiny caught in an inescapable network of Mutuality.”
Keynote: Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey
Performers: Students from SOU, Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School, Helman and Walker elementary schools, Nina Davis, Rogue Valley Peace Choir
After the celebration, march to downtown Plaza for the playing of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
When: Noon–1:30pm, doors open 11:30am
Where: Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St., Ashland
Overflow: OSF’s Carpenter Hall (live stream)
Admission: FREE — non-perishable food donations encouraged for SOU Food Pantry
Sponsors
In partnership with: Ashland’s Historic Armory • B.A.S.E. • SOU Digital Media Center • Voris Sound
The recording of Ashland MLK Day 2025 can be viewed at RVTV’s YouTube channel.
Local MLK Documentaries
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Explore the meaning of MLK Day through the eyes of our own community, created by BASE Southern Oregon.
We Stand Together
Why We Can’t Wait
Where Do We Go From Here (Youth Leadership)
Dr. King’s 1961 message for Oregonians
Dr. King on Expediency vs. Right
Read Dr. King’s book Why We Can’t Wait
Get it from your local bookstore or Jackson County Library Services.
Blood Drive
The need for blood donors is urgent. Following in the tradition of our MLK Day blood drives, we urge you to sign up to donate blood.