2026 City of Columbus MLK Jr. Day March and Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Beth Berkemer
(614) 565-6767 cell
EABerkemer@columbus.gov
City of Columbus MLK Jr. Day March and Program celebration will take place on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
“One Dream, Many Voices”
WHO: -Joyce Beatty, Representative, United States Congress
-Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus
-Nancy Day-Achauer, Councilmember, City of Columbus
-Tiara Ross, Councilmember, City of Columbus
-Kym Douglas, Director, City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods
Keynote speakers:
-Dr. Elaine “Dr. E” Richardson, Professor of Literacy Studies, The Ohio State University
-Karen Hewitt, Founder, K. Hewitt Consulting
-Carlos Rivera Fernández, Owner, Prime Financial Solutions, and Graduate of the City of Columbus’ New American Leadership Academy (NALA)
-Shannon Isom, President and CEO, Community Shelter Board
WHAT: The City of Columbus’ annual MLK Jr. Day March and Program, hosted by the Department of Neighborhoods, celebrates the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
The over-arching theme is “One Dream, Many Voices”. Both activities are free and open to the public.
The pre-march event will be held at St. Paul AME Church. From there, the march will proceed along Long Street to the historic Lincoln Theatre for the program portion.
If one wishes to be part of the march, simply show up at St. Paul AME Church by 3 p.m.
ADA assistance will be provided as part of the march by COTA Mainstream. Those in need may board the COTA ADA transit vehicle, which will travel with the march.
If the march is cancelled due to inclement weather, media will be notified and theatre program will take place during its originally scheduled time of 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The march and program feature Central State University Chorus, Dance Elite Performance Academy and East High School Marching Band
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
3:00 p.m. Pre-march kick-off program inside St. Paul AME Church
March takes place along Long Street from church to Lincoln Theatre directly after kick-off program
4:00 p.m. March concludes at Lincoln Theatre
Lobby opens with free hot chocolate, cider and cookies
4:30 p.m. Theatre program begins
5:30 p.m. Theatre program concludes
WHERE:
St. Paul AME Church
639 E. Long St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Lincoln Theatre
769 E. Long Street
Columbus, OH 43203
Parking is available across the street from the church as well as across from the theatre and on the street.
Photos, graphics, pre-event interviews and B-roll may be available upon request.
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Department of Neighborhoods, City of Columbus
The Department of Neighborhoods works from a foundation of devoted residents, committed neighborhood leaders and a dedicated City workforce to resolve community concerns and tap into neighborhood potential, helping to build a stronger, more equitable Columbus. As the “front door” to the city, the Department of Neighborhoods empowers residents, responds to their needs and protects their rights.