Together in Purpose: 2026 Co-Conspirators & Supporters

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally

Monday, January 19, 2026

The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally invites the community to join us in person on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the 31st Annual MLK Youth Rally. The event will take place in the Centennial Room of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Student Union (14th & R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska) and will also be available virtually for statewide and international audiences.

This year’s theme, “The Audacity to Walk Together In Love,” is inspired by Dr. King’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech—his call for dignity, equality, and freedom for the spirit. The theme highlights the courage required to act, overcome challenges, and build the beloved community through love in action.

Organized annually by a diverse group of K–12 scholars, the Rally continues the mission of the planning committee: “…promotion of the life and dream of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and local civil rights leader Dr. Leola Bullock through positive youth action.”

Brecklin, a 2026 Planning Committee member, reflects the heart of this year’s message:

“Audacity looks like continuing to work toward a goal while facing adversity, messing up, getting back up, and taking more steps toward success.”

Lead Advisor Peter Ferguson, now in his 29th year supporting the committee, adds:

“Each year, the planning team walks boldly toward its creation. This year, the planning committee is rallying around the words and actions of Dr. King and others who showed the audacity needed to build the beloved community. Every component lifts a purpose rooted in love.”

Event Schedule — Monday, January 19, 2026

All in-person events take place in the Centennial Room (14th & R Street).

9:00–10:00 a.m. CST — UNITY Community Rally (Doors Open)

• Community activities, photo booth, DJ, storytelling, face painting, and local activity booths

9:30 a.m. CST — Virtual Empowerment Pre-Rally Program (Livestream)

10:00 a.m. CST — 31st Annual Call to Action Program

• Youth-led original and adapted work

• Spoken word and interactive presentations

• Rally CommUNITY Choir

• Annual Civil Rights Book Project

• Special guest appearance

For more information, to support the event, or to stay connected:

Website: mlkyouthrally.com | Twitter: @Rally93 | Instagram: @theyouthrally_ne | Facebook: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally

For additional information, to become a supporter of the Rally, or to stay updated on our efforts, visit mlkyouthrally.com or contact peterfergusonbhs@gmail.com.

“Invest in Scholar Voice. Build the Beloved Community”

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Support The Rally

Since 1995, The Rally a.k.a. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally and March has been a pillar of excellence, offering a unique youth showcase of power, education, and engagement. It continues the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and local civil rights leader Dr. Leola Bullock, promoting their lives and dreams through positive youth action.

The Rally attracts diverse audiences K–12 and post-secondary scholars, educators, business and government professionals, nonprofit leaders, retirees, and more all united in the mission to impact hearts and minds. Both in-person and virtual participants come together to take meaningful steps to “Walk Together” in love.

As a supporter, you are more than a donor—you are a co-conspirator in the movement. Your support provides a powerful avenue to align your organization with our purpose: fostering positive youth action and shaping the greater community.

Guidelines for Sponsorship
The Rally reserves the right to review all sponsorships for alignment with our mission. We do not accept advertisements or entities that discriminate—or encourage discrimination—based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. We also prohibit sponsorships that spread misinformation or facilitate human exploitation. All decisions are final.