a group marches arm-in-arm across College Green

Celebrating a legacy

The University community marked the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the annual march on College Green, among other events.

Photos by Rich-Joseph Facun and Ben Siegel | January 22, 2026

Ohio University students, faculty, staff and community members marched, sat and learned together this week at a series of events focused on celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The events held earlier this week included the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebratory Brunch, a Silent March, Day of Service activities at OHIO Chillicothe, a film screening at the Athena Cinema and the Spring Campus and Community Involvement Fair at the Ping Recreation Center.

A student stands in a line, looking off to her right

The events will continue throughout the week and the month, and will include the following activities:

False Promises: A Conversation with Author Ric Sheffield, JD – Tonight - Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6-7 p.m. This virtual presentation will feature Ric S. Sheffield, author of “We Got By: A Black Family’s Journey in the Heartland” and “False Promises: The Struggle for Black Voting Rights in 1800s Ohio.” You can find more information and register to attend this virtual event here.
Dessert Reception at the Baker University Center Front Room – Friday, Jan. 23, from 4-5:30 p.m. All members of the OHIO community are invited to enjoy hot beverages and baked goods at the reception.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards at Ohio University Southern - Tuesday, Jan. 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Riffe Rotunda. The event recognizes individuals and organizations who exemplify the values of service, leadership and equity.

A group of people march arm-in-arm past a large clock on OHIO's campus — The annual Silent March provided students, faculty, staff and community members with an opportunity to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King’s mission and impact. The participants walked through the cold College Green on Monday, Jan. 19, led by members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A crowded Baker Center ballroom during the 2026 MLK Brunch

Attendees heard from speakers Joy Bivens and David Butcher at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebratory Brunch.

The brunch also featured presentations and performances, like this one from Talitha Thomas.

This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebratory Brunch featured speakers Joy Bivens and David Butcher, as well as special performances and presentations.

The deputy county administrator for Franklin County, Bivens oversees the Department of Job and Family Services, the county's largest agency and core social safety net, as well as the Office on Aging, Child Support Enforcement Agency and the Office of Justice Policy and Programs.

Butcher is the executive director of the Tablertown People of Color Museum, which he founded as a semblance of honor for his family’s cultural heritage. While collaborating with numerous organizations to secure and sustain the future of Tablertown, Butcher’s initiatives have drawn thousands of museum visitors from across the country.

Audience members benefited greatly from learning from Butcher and Bivens during the luncheon, while also enjoying the moving performances and additional presentations.

a student talks during the spring involvement fair

Overhead view of the spring involvement fair

Students look at a table at the spring involvement fair

The Spring Campus and Community Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 20 allowed OHIO students to learn more about campus organizations and how to get involved. Even more than that, though, it provided students with opportunities to learn more about how they can get involved with service organizations and service activities in 2026.

OHIO students walked booth to booth in the Ping Center, talking with fellow students about how they can get involved on campus and in the community in the spring semester and beyond.