The New Mexico Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission has designated Jan. 12–19 as Dream Week 2026, a statewide commemoration built around the holiday honoring the civil rights leader.
In a news release, the commission called for “a week of commemoration, service, reflection, and action honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
This year’s theme is “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” in accordance with the national King Center.
The commission last year adopted a strategic plan that identified an emphasis on statewide engagement as a priority. Dream Week 2026 reflects that commitment, the release states, with programs, marches, educational presentations and other events scheduled in at least 16 of the state’s 33 counties.
An updated list of Dream Week events is available here.
Albuquerque events include:
A Jan. 16 remembrance vigil at 6 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro Drive NE. The vigil is envisioned as “a space for remembrance, healing, and recommitment to nonviolence, honoring lives lost to violence and affirming shared humanity,” according to the release.
A Jan. 17 commemorative march and program. The march will begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and University Boulevard and proceed to 1 Civic Plaza NW. The program, starting at 11, will feature a keynote speech from Aja N. Brooks, president of the State Bar of New Mexico.
A church service at 3 p.m. Jan. 17 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 608 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE.
An MLK Jr. Breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid, North, 5151 San Francisco Road NE.
MLK Jr. Day of Service, at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at the African American Performing Arts Center.
Jan. 19 is the official observance of the federal holiday.
“Dream Week 2026 will underscore Dr. King’s call to collective responsibility, reminding New Mexicans that the work of justice, nonviolence, and community building belongs to all of us,” commission Executive Director Dannelle Kirven said in the release.
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