Delaware County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026
January 19, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Hamilton-Williams Campus Center
"The Lantern Keepers: Preserving the Flame of Justice"
We cordially invite you to join us for the 2026 Delaware County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. This event promises to be an unforgettable blend of commemoration, introspection, fun, and love in action.
Pastor Alvin Asiamah will provide our opening prayer. Originally from Ghana, "Pastor A" (as his congregation fondly calls him) is the founding and lead pastor of Soul Restoration Ministry in Pickerington, Ohio.
Keynote Speaker
Our 2026 keynote speaker is Sierra Austin-King, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Black Studies, with teaching and research experiences at The Ohio State and Denison universities, as well as the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Her non-academic appointments include leadership roles with nonprofit, K-12, and professional associations.
Dr. Austin-King has been recognized as an Outstanding Leadership Columbus Alumni (2023), a Women for Economic Leadership & Development (WELD) Calendar Honoree (2023), a Leadership Ohio Ambassador (2021), a YWCA Columbus Sue Doody Alumni of the Year (2020), and a JPMorgan Chase & Deloitte Wise Women Rising Star (2019).
She currently serves as both board chair and grants committee chair of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio and is a Franklin University School of Education advisory board member. Dr. Austin-King also has been appointed recently to the DIVERCITY 614 Board of Directors and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Featured Performer
Columbus, Ohio-based multicreative Chrissy T has a passion for sharing and inspiring others with her artistic gifts and talents. Chrissy is a professional vocalist, actress, and educator who has performed nationally and internationally. Chrissy's soulful voice transcends multiple genres, such as classical, jazz, gospel, and soul.
With nearly two decades of experience, she has showcased her talents in numerous theatrical productions, earning acclaim and two prestigious drama awards. Chrissy recently released her debut EP, "Metamorphosis," featuring her breakout single, "Stuck in Limbo," which reached No. 1 on Amazon Music's UK R&B Hot Releases Chart.
With a silky smooth soprano and wide vocal range, Chrissy's graceful and elegant stage presence captivates her audiences.
Additional Highlights
Our 2026 celebration will feature a "wax museum" in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center with students portraying historical figures.
We also are planning a surprise component to engage our community speakers during the celebration.
We are proud to continue raising funds to provide scholarships to local students. Since 1990, you have enabled us to award more than $39,000 in scholarships to support our community. Your continued participation helps us expand this initiative and create even more opportunities for our aspiring graduates.
Please don't miss this chance to honor Dr. King's vision, celebrate our community's strength, and invest in tomorrow's leaders.
Schedule
- 9:45 a.m. – Check-In Begins
- 10 a.m. – Brunch Service Begins
- 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – Main Program
Tickets
- Table Reservation – $260 for a table of eight
- Individual Ticket – $35
Tickets are available now for online purchase through Jan. 9, 2026.
Please contact Dawn Chisebe at dmchiseb@owu.edu for more information on being part of Delaware's 2026 MLK Celebration, including:
- Sponsoring community member attendance.
- Donating items for a silent scholarship raffle.
- Sponsoring portions of the event (food, beverages, supplies).
- Providing monetary contributions.
We look forward to seeing you on January 19, 2026!
In Community,
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee
Jason Timpson (Chair)
Chad Johns
Deandra Wright
Dawn Chisebe
Dez Dorelien
Ida Mostofi
Molly Grace Lovette
Jennifer Ruhe
Yolanda Terry
Cindi Flinn
Dena Eloissaint
Melissa Harris
Anja Dees