Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations at Simpson
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King’s work is rooted in a vision of justice and belonging that demands an unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion. He reminds us that “life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?'”
Dr. King understood the profound impact of change while also acknowledging the discomfort it can create. His words force us to create a space where every human in our community feels safe, seen, valued, and supported.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Find the Simpson MLK Day/Month events below:
Hot Wings with Hot Takes
On Tuesday, January 27th, the Office of Community and Belonging and RLC will host a meaningful conversation with students about Dr. King’s life and legacy.
This section is currently full, but we will host a second dialogue in April!
Simpson College Blood Drive "Blood Mobile"
Monday, January 26th, LifeServ will be on campus in front of the Kent Campus Center to host a blood drive. This event is hosted by Delta and the Office of Community and Belonging.
Please SIGN UP for a time slot as soon as possible! They will also take walk-ins, but your spot is not guaranteed that way.
MLK Day Movie night: SELMA
Join us for popcorn, beverages, and a screening of Selma, a film depicting the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Please email Allie Martinez at allie.martinez@simpson.edu if you plan to attend.
George Washington Carver Medal Ceremony
On Thursday, January 29th, Simpson College will honor Nikole Hannah-Jones with the 2025-2026 Carver Medal. Hannah Jones is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and creator of The 1619 Project, and an investigative reporter for The New York Times Magazine. All are invited to attend the panel/discussion.
Community MLK Day Events
Below are events from around the Des Moines metro area!
MLK Day Celebration in West Des Moines
The City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with West Des Moines Community Schools, West Des Moines Historical Society, Des Moines University, Taste of the Junction, Meals from the Heartland and Polk County, is hosting a free community celebration on Monday, Jan. 19 at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature a keynote speaker and will be filled with musical performances, food, educational exhibits, scholarships, and community awards.
13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast
The YMCA of Greater Des Moines will host this year’s breakfast, “Education: Lighting the Path to the Dream,” at 8 a.m. at the Drake University Olmsted Center at 2875 University Ave. in Des Moines.
Urban Dreams MLK Day of Service
Two-hour shifts are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Urban Dreams, located at 1615 2nd Ave. in Des Moines.
Iowa Wolves MLK Day
See the Iowa Wolves take on the Long Island Nets at 1 p.m. at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.
Other events around the Des Moines Metro
If you’re looking for a way to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Greater Des Moines (DSM), attend one of the many MLK Jr. Day events celebrating the civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
