WE WHO BELIEVE IN FREEDOM
The theme of this year's MLK Day at The Wright, "We Who Believe in Freedom" explores and honors Dr. King's commitment to justice, equality, and peace, The day features a series of ticketed and free events that provide activities for every age. As we commemorate Dr. King's contributions, we’ll embrace our shared responsibility to promote justice and equality, and reaffirm our collective commitment to carrying forward his legacy.
Join us for a Full Day of Events
From dynamic conversations with activists and community leaders to film screenings, prayer breakfasts, and more, here are the ways we're reflecting on Dr. King's legacy in 2026. Doors open at 7:00 AM, so be sure to get here early to take in all of our events.
Annual Prayer Breakfast Schedule
- 8:10 AM — OPENING PRAYER
Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood, III | Senior Pastor, Plymouth United Church of Christ
Rabbi Alicia Harris | Congregation Shir Tikvah
Imam Tauheed Rashad | Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad Mosque
- 8:15 AM — BREAKFAST BUFFET OPENS
Remarks: TBD | President of Detroit Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter
Musical Performance: Carla-Rivers-Johnson
- 9:20 AM — MORNING PROGRAM BEGINS
Welcome
Neil A. Barclay | President & CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum
Invocation
Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz | Executive Director, The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Education Center- 9:35 AM — KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Ambassador Shabazz | Daughter of Malcolm X, Diplomat, Lecturer, Consultant & Professor
- 9:55 AM — Q&A SESSION
Facilitated by Orlando P. Bailey | Journalist
- 10:30 AM — Closing Performance & Remarks
Performance
Mosaic Singers of Mosaic Youth Theatre
Closing Remarks
Michelle Daniel | VP of Development
Neil A. Barclay | President & CEO
2026 MLK Day Schedule
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a day of reflection, exploration, creativity, and community at The Wright Museum. Join us for a full day of free events.
- 11:30 AM — Film Screening & Talk Back
Location: GMT Theatre
Special Guest: Judy Richardson, civil rights activist and documentary filmmaker
Details: Explores the rise of Black Power and the shift within the Civil Rights Movement from nonviolent protest to demands for political and economic self-determination, highlighting Malcolm X’s influence, new leadership, and the growing call for empowerment and control over Black communities’ futures.
- Various Times — Art as a Bridge: Healing and Unity Workshop
Session Times:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Foundations of Healing
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PMLocation: Lamar Café
Details:
Guided Art Activity: Participants engage in a calming paint-by-number project to foster mindfulness and connection, focusing on grounding and healing through collaborative creativity.Group Reflection and Dialogue: Each session concludes with a shared discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their artistic process and explore how creative expression can promote unity and transformation.
- Various Times — Read for Justice: MLK Family Storytelling Celebration
Reading Slots:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PMLocation: Orientation Theatre
- Various Times — Montgomery Bus Boycott: Step into the Story
Experience Times:
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: Wright Community Room
Details:
Guests sign up for a family-friendly reenactment of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Participants rehearse briefly alongside professional actors from Detroit’s theatrical community before taking the stage.- 6:00 PM — Soul of the Dream: A Night Honoring MLK
Experience Time:
6:00 PM–6:30 PM: Drink & Mingle (Rotunda)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PMLocation: General Motors Theater (GMT)
Details:
We Who Believe in Freedom is not a concert or play alone. It is a gathering of our people in the spirit of resistance and joy. Detroit’s poets and emcees will testify, a choir will lift the roof with sound, and elders and youth will speak across generations. The evening will close with a love letter to the City, the Wright, and Dr. King designed to stir the spirit and strengthen the audacious will of Detroit’s community.- Various Times — Tour Detroit Martin Luther King Day Bike Ride & Ceremony
Experience Time:
9:00 AM: Ceremony Gathering
10:00 AM: Bike Launch
11:30 AM: Return to the WrightLocation: Lower Farnsworth
Details:
Join Tour de Troit for a cycling celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. This free event invites families to participate in a 10-mile ride through Detroit, visiting historical sites connected to Dr. King and other local activists. Registration is required. The route will begin at the Wright and conclude at the Wright. After the ride, participants can enjoy hot chocolate. The route highlights significant locations, including landmarks tied to the 1963 March to Freedom and Dr. King’s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at Cobo Arena. The Tour de Troit organization promotes bicycling and safety through education, community events, and support for non-motorized infrastructure.- Various Times — Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
In Partnership with Dossin Elementary School & The Wright Experience Time:
12:45 PM – 1:00 PM: Buses and students arrive and join ongoing activities at The Wright.Program Time:
2:30 PM – 4:10 PMLocation:
General Motors Theater (GMT)Details:
Welcome & Introduction of the MCs: Toine Murphy & Demetrius Scott will host the event, with remarks by Lance Wheeler, Vice President of Public Programs. Artistic & Educational Elements: Featuring performances, speeches, and cultural showcases.
Learn More About Dr. King's Legacy
The Nobel Peace Prize 1964 was awarded to Martin Luther King Jr. "for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population"
Read Martin Luther King Jr.’s Iconic Impact on Detroit by Biba Adams and Remembering MLK’s Influence in Detroit from the Detroit Historical Society
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.