MLK Week
2026 MLK Week On Campus
Each year the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith dedicates a slate of events to engage the campus community with the Fort Smith community in celebrating and honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Standing Up for What is Right"
Standing Up to Arbitrary: How Some Arkansans Stood Up to Arbitrary
A public lecture by Tom Watkins, UAFS adjunct professor of history
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Time: 10-10:50 a.m.
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Date: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
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Location: Gardner 204
Standing Up to the U.S.: The International Reaction to the Assassination of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.
Dr. Eric Baker, UAFS assistant professor of political science
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Time: 2-3:15 p.m.
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Date: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026
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Location: Gardner 221
Standing Up to Hunger
A presentation by Hattie Hamilton, interim director of the River Valley Food Bank
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Time: 11-11:50 a.m.
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Date: Friday, Jan. 23, 2026
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Location: Campus Center Fireplace
Peanut Butter Drive
In partnership with the River Valley Food Bank
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Week of Jan. 19, 2026
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Location: Campus Center Box Office
Civil Rights Display
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Week of Jan. 19, 2026
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Location: Boreham Library
2026 Community Events
UAFS also partners with the River Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission to host a slate of community events for MLK Week.
"Hope in Action: Inspiring Our Future!"
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet (SOLD OUT)
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Time: 6 p.m.
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Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
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Location: Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Daniel Black
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast
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Time: 7 a.m.
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Date: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
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Location: Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dewayne Goldmon
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Parade participants can register by emailing FortSmithMLK@gmail.com or calling 504-427-4013.
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Time: 10 a.m.
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Date: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
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Location: Garrison Avenue