Saint Anselm College
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebratory Program
Theme: The Beloved Community Begins with Us
MLK Jr. Awareness Day
Monday, January 19
Join us as we honor Dr. King’s legacy with a day of learning and reflection. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sponsored by the Father Jonathan Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
MLK Jr. Library Book Display
January 19 - February 27
Location: Geisel Library
This year’s book display focuses on recent acquisitions in the library’s collection that address historical and persistent issues of race and racism in today’s society.
Sponsored by the Geisel Library
MLK Jr. Library Online Display
January 19 - February 27
Location: Geisel Library
Browse the Geisel Library’s selection of e-resources related to events taking place in this year's celebration.
Sponsored by the Geisel Library
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
4:30 p.m.
NHIOP
Keynote Speaker: Bettie Mae Fikes
The Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion invites all staff, faculty and students to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner on Tuesday, January 27 at 4:30 pm in the NHIOP Auditorium. This year’s featured speaker is Bettie Mae Fikes, known as “The Voice of Selma” and a Freedom Rider during the 1960s Civil Right Movement.
A delicious dinner buffet will be provided.
Sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion, Campus Ministry and the Multicultural Student Coalition
Meet the Artist: Jozimar Matimano
January 28 - February, 6
Display happening in the Jean Student Center
New Hampshire Artist of the Year for 2024, Jozimar Matimano is a refugee from The Democratic Republic of Congo. His art centers on his experience as a Black Refugee in a primarily white state, while also celebrating his rich cultural background. Jozimar has exhibited his art throughout New Hampshire, as well as created several murals in the Manchester area.
Sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion, and the Fine Arts Department
Creating Justice in a Multiracial Democracy
Thursday, February 5
6:00 p.m.
NHIOP Auditorium
Join us for a keynote address by Dr. Alan Curtis, President of the Eisenhower Foundation, on Creating Justice in a Multiracial Democracy, the Foundation’s update of the landmark 1968 Kerner Commission Report. Drawing on contributions from leading scholars and policymakers, the report offers an evidence-based roadmap to address economic inequality, poverty, and racial injustice.
Dr. Curtis will explore how the Commission’s call for “new will” remains urgent today and outline practical policy solutions across education, economic opportunity, housing, criminal justice, and democratic participation. The keynote will be followed by a moderated discussion with Scott Spradling, inviting audience reflection on how evidence-based policymaking and civic leadership can help strengthen multiracial democracy and advance justice for all.
Sponsored by the NH Institute of Politics and the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
There is Never Any End: John Coltrane at 100
Monday, February 9
7:00 p.m.
Dana Center
In celebration of John Coltrane's centennial year, pianist and Saint Anselm professor Aaron Wyanski brings his trio to the Dana Center for a concert of Coltrane's original compositions. Taking the details of Coltrane's music as a collective starting point, Wyanski–along with bassist Scott Kiefner and drummer Brian Shankar Adler–will transform and reimagine this body of work, inspired by Coltrane's own unending search for musical truth.
Sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion, and the Fine Arts Department
African American Music Concert
Wednesday, February 11
12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
Koonz Theatre
Music Faculty and Student Common Hour Concert: A Celebration of African American music in the Koonz Theatre in the Dana Center.
Sponsored by the Fine Arts Department
Cultural Lunch Series
Thursday, February 12
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Davison Hall
Celebrate Black History Month with us by learning about African American food, while enjoying a special meal designed and cooked by Dining Services.
Sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion, and Dining Services
MLK Jr. Vigil & March
Wednesday, February 18
8:30 p.m.
Steps of the Abbey Church
Join the Multicultural Student Coalition and Campus Ministry as they celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a peace March and candlelight vigil. The march will begin and end at steps of the Abbey Church. Campus Mass to follow.
Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Coalition, Campus Ministry and the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
Campus Mass
Wednesday, February 18
9:00 p.m.
Abbey Church
Join us for a special Campus Mass in celebration of Black History Month, honoring the rich spiritual, cultural, and historical contributions of the Black community. This liturgy invites our campus to come together in prayer, unity, and reflection as we recognize the resilience, faith, and leadership that have shaped our shared story.
Come and be a part of this meaningful celebration of faith, heritage and hope.
Sponsored by Campus Ministry
The Black Church: This is our Story, This is our Song
Tuesday, February 17
6:00 p.m.
McCready Event Space
Join us for a showing and panel discussion around The Black Church: This is our Story, This is Our Song explores the 400 year old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherd them from the pulpit, the choir loft and church pews. Watch selected clips from across the four-hour series and afterwards join a panel discussion exploring the history of the Black Church and how it continues to shape our community today.
Light snacks will be provided.
Sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
Unity Retreat (Status = Potential/Entitlement/Failure)
Friday, February 20 to Saturday, February 21
4:00 p.m.
Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, NH
This retreat is an experience designed to help participants disentangle their sense of worth from external markers of status. Through guided reflection, interactive workshops, and community dialogue, we will explore the deeply held belief that status—whether social, professional, financial, or cultural—defines who we are and what we are capable of.
Over the course of the retreat, participants learn to recognize how status is often confused with potential, mistaken for entitlement, or unfairly equated with failure. By slowing down, reconnecting with personal values, and examining the stories we carry, we create space to redefine success on our own terms.
Please register in the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion by Wednesday, February 18. There are only 40 spaces available so please register early.
Sponsored by The Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion, Multicultural Student Coalition, and Student Engagement and Leadership
Let’s Talk About it: Black Men Mental Health
Thursday February 19
4:00 p.m.
Blake Room, Savard Welcome Center
An interactive conversation that tackles stigma, myths, and challenges around men’s mental health. Participants will engage in open dialogue, share resources, and learn practical strategies for supporting themselves and others.
Light snacks will be provided.
Sponsored by the Men of Color and The Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
Frederick Douglass Student Colloquium
Friday, February 20
6:00 p.m.
Gregory J Grappone Humanities Institute
We invite you to participate in the upcoming Learning Liberty Colloquium, hosted by the Center for Ethics in Society and facilitated by Philosophy Professor Tom Larson and Br. Thomas Lacourse. This event promises a weekend of thoughtful study, reflection, and engaging conversations about the writings of Frederick Douglass. Students will read 75-100 pages in preparation for this colloquium and will receive a $150 stipend for their participation. Food will be provided.
Sponsored by the Center for Ethics in Society
Spoken Words with Poet Lyrical Faith
Friday, February 20
8:30 p.m.
Melucci Theater
Lyrical Faith is a Black American Educator Activist and Spoken Word Poet from The Bronx, NY. She is the 3rd ranked Woman Poet in the World as the 2022 Women of the World Poetry Slam, and inaugural Bronx Poet Laureate finalist, a two-time recipient of the Bronx Council on the Arts Brio Award, and the BRIO Award, and thee 2015 Syracuse University Poet of the Year. Through her poetry, Lyrical Faith strives to inspire, educate and advocate for intersectional and institutional issues by merging the arts and activism form a faith-based world view.
Sponsored by Student and Engagement and Leadership
CAB MLK Jr./Black History Month Trivia
Saturday, February 21
8:30 p.m.
Coffee Shop
Come and see what you know about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what was happening while he was alive! Answer questions about 60's music, social movements, MLK Jr, and more!
Sponsored by Student Activities and Leadership Programs and the Campus Activity Board
Barbershop Conversation
Wednesday, February 25
4:00 p.m.
Senate Room
A welcoming space modeled after the community feel of a barbershop, where men can gather to talk openly about mental health, identity, and resilience. Refreshments and snacks provided to keep the conversation flowing in a relaxed environment.
Sponsored by the Men of Color and The Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
Student Panel: The Future of Black Student Enrollment: Access, Barriers & Opportunities
Thursday, February 26
6:00 p.m.
Event Space
Student Moderator: Paige Potts
Join students from the Multicultural Student Coalition, Men of Color and Women of Color Group as they discuss the declining black enrollment at many colleges and universities, how changes to affirmative action and DEI impact recruitment, and what campuses can do to create a culture that attracts (not just admits) Black Students
Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Coalition, Men of Color and Women of Color
MLK Jr. Debate: Presented by the Debate Team
Thursday, February 26
7:00 p.m.
Perini Lecture Hall
As part of the MLK Program of Events, the College Debate Team annually holds a public debate on a matter related to civil rights and liberties.
Sponsored by the Debate Team