Somerville invites community members to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the City’s annual MLK Day Celebration taking place on Saturday, January 17. Youth are also invited to submit a short essay on Dr. King to the MLK Jr. Youth Essay contest by the January 12th deadline.

The free, all-ages celebration will feature a keynote address delivered by Dr. James “Jimmy” McCarty, as well as youth performances including remarks, poetry, and music focused on Dr. King’s life’s work and its ongoing impact. Food, refreshments, and arts and crafts activities will also be offered.

“I’m so proud that our community comes together on MLK Day to learn, reflect, and be inspired, and I heartily encourage everyone to join me in coming out to enjoy the speakers and performers,” said Mayor Wilson. “It’s especially meaningful that the voices of Somerville youth, including our essay finalists, will offer perspective on the importance of this day — and of MLK’s ongoing work — as we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy together.”

Community members are encouraged (but not required) to RSVP at bit.ly/MLK_2026.

Ahead of the community event, Somerville youth are invited to submit a short essay on Dr. King’s life and legacy. The essays will be reviewed by Somerville’s Human Rights Commission, which will select two finalists to read their essays aloud at the City’s MLK Day celebration.

The selected authors will also receive free tuition for an online human rights course offered by the U.S. Institute for Diplomacy and Human Rights. Interested youth can learn more and view the two essay prompts here. Submissions are due Tuesday, January 13, at 5 p.m. 

Organized in collaboration with Somerville Parks and Recreation, Health and Human Services Youth Services Division, the Somerville Public Schools Office of Equity and Excellence, Teen Empowerment, and The Dojo @ Somernova, the event is designed for all ages to honor and celebrate Dr. King.

For questions about the MLK Day event, the Youth Essay Contest, and other opportunities including joining a day of service alongside the Human Rights Commission, please contact rsj@somervillema.gov or visit somervillema.gov/rsj.