King Week 2026

Date: Sun., Jan. 18
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel
Speaker: The Reverend Steven Eugene Carter, Senior Pastor of the Mount Ararat Church, Brooklyn, New York

Steven Eugene Carter, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Mount Ararat Church in Brooklyn, New York—the church where he grew up and now leads with a mission to “empower people to live beyond life’s limitations.” Since 2004, the ministry has expanded through new programs, outreach initiatives, and the addition of a second worship service.

A graduate of Morehouse College with a Master of Divinity from Duke University, Pastor Carter previously served at Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston. A passionate and dynamic preacher, he has ministered both nationally and internationally and is the author of Resurrection from Rejection: Healing in Seven Areas of Rejection in Your Life.

He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and is married to Mrs. Brenda Carter. Together, they are the proud parents of Mason and Steven Eugene Carter, Jr.

Date: Mon., Jan. 19
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Bonner Office of Community Services invites faculty, staff, students, and the public to join in service activities in honor of the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. '48

Sign Up to Volunteer

An Evening with Dr. Imani Perry and Dr. David Wall Rice

Date: Tues., Jan. 20
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Bank of America Auditorium
Reception to Follow
Speakers: Dr. Imani Perry and Dr. David Rice

Dr, Imani Perry is an American interdisciplinary scholar whose work explores race, law, literature, and African American culture. She serves as a professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, and is also affiliated with the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. In addition to her academic work, she is a contributing columnist for The Atlantic. Her book South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation received the 2022 National Book Award for Nonfiction, and she was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2023.

Dr. David Wall Rice is the Crown Forum Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Morehouse College. He is also Principal Investigator of the Identity, Art and Democracy Lab, a research space that looks at expressions of identity balance through engagement, the exploration of varied contexts, popular culture and personal narratives.

Date: Mon., Jan. 22
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Archives Research Center, AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library

Visitors are invited to view the original documents from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection. This historic archive offers important insight into his leadership, thought, and the moral foundations of the Civil Rights Movement and includes handwritten sermons, personal letters, correspondence, and other materials.

Date: Thur., Jan. 22
Time: 4:30 PM 
Dean's Night begins at 7:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, Afro-American Hall of Fame

Illya Davis '89. moderates an esteem panel of scholars at The Dean's Forum. Later that evening, we honor The Reverend Dr., Lawrence Edward Carter, Sr. as he retires from Morehouse College.

Date: Thur., Jan. 22
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: MLK International Chapel
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Keith A. Troy,'76, Pastor, New Salem Baptist Church, Columbus, GA

Dr. Keith A. Troy is widely regarded as a master teacher and visionary pastor whose unique ability to blend timeless faith with contemporary relevance has shaped generations of believers and leaders. He is a graduate of  Morehouse College, Colgate Crozer Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

Since 1983, Dr. Troy has served as Pastor of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and his preaching and teaching have reached audiences across the world, including South Africa, Liberia, and Mozambique.

Dr. Troy is married to Brenda Patterson of Warren, Ohio, and together they are the proud parents of five children—Myeshia (McKenzie) Harmon, Tiffane’ (Keith) Warren, Shanece, Andre’, and Kendall — and the grandparents of seven.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series Presents:
Protecting Democracy: A Public Conversation Featuring Stacey Abrams and Steven Reed

Reception and Book Signing to Follow

Date: Tues., Jan. 27
Time: 5:00 PM
Location:  Bank of America Auditorium, Morehouse College

Speakers: The Honorable Stacey Abrams, The Honorable Steven Reed, Esq. '96

Stacey Abrams is a nationally respected civic leader, attorney, and author whose work centers on strengthening democracy and expanding civic participation. She served for a decade in the Georgia House of Representatives, including six years as Minority Leader, and later founded Fair Fight, an organization dedicated to protecting the right to vote and ensuring equitable access to the democratic process. In 2018, she became the first Black woman nominated by a major political party for governor in the United States.

Abrams is also an accomplished author whose writing explores leadership, justice, and empowerment across nonfiction, fiction, and children’s literature. Through her public service and scholarship, she continues to shape national conversations about democracy, equity, and civic responsibility.

Steven L. Reed, '96 is the 57th mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, and the first Black person to lead the city in its more than 200-year history. A native of Montgomery and a graduate of Morehouse College, he is known for community-centered leadership that advances educational opportunity, economic growth, and quality of life. Since taking office in 2019, Mayor Reed has worked to build broad partnerships that strengthen schools, support neighborhoods, and expand opportunity for all residents.

Before becoming mayor, Reed made history as Montgomery County’s first African-American and youngest elected probate judge, where he modernized court services and expanded support for vulnerable populations. Under his leadership, Montgomery has navigated fiscal and public health challenges with resilience and responsibility, earning recognition for effective and compassionate governance.

Date: Thur., Jan. 29
Film: Citizen: The Jilmar Ramoz Gomez Story
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Bank of America Auditorium | Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center

Film synopsis: A compelling short documentary exploring the near deportation of Grand Rapids-born U.S. citizen, Marine, and combat veteran Jilmar Ramos Gomez. This film scrutinizes the system that nearly expelled him, the collaboration between local law enforcement and I.C.E., and raises critical questions about who gets to define what it means to be American. Reflecting on the treatment of Veterans, both of color and otherwise, it serves as a powerful reminder that change begins at the local level—even when it feels impossible in Washington.

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