Tickets are now available for Piedmont’s 29^th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on Monday, January 19 at 11am, presented by the Piedmont Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee (PADC) and the City of Piedmont.

29^th Annual Piedmont Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Monday, January 19, 11am
Tickets: Free; advance registration required
Register online: events.humanitix.com/padc-mlk-2026

This year’s featured speaker is Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, in conversation with award-winning journalist Lisa Armstrong of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. The event brings together community leaders, students, artists, and performers for a reflective and forward-looking commemoration of Dr. King’s legacy.

Tickets are free but capacity is limited, and the event sells out each year. Community members are encouraged to reserve tickets early.

Choosing Our Future: Chaos or Community

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Chaos of Community: Choosing Our Future”, is drawn from Dr. King’s 1967 book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, and from his Nobel Peace Prize address. The program invites reflection on shared responsibility, collective agency, and the enduring choice to build community grounded in dignity, justice, and nonviolence.

Organizers emphasize that Dr. King’s vision was not abstract or passive, but rooted in action – a reminder that the future is shaped by the choices communities make together.

Featured speakers and performances

In addition to the keynote conversation, the program will feature:

• Betsy Smegal Andersen, Mayor of Piedmont
• Ellen Lee, PADC President
• Sogorea Te’ Land Trust
• PUSD African Affinity Student Union
• Destiny Junior Company Dance Team
• Student art and essay showcase

The annual celebration is planned and produced by PADC volunteers, whose year-round work focuses on advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging in Piedmont. The City of Piedmont is proud to support and co-host this event.