College announces MLK Day Celebration

Dr. Steven D. Parker.

Goshen College is pleased to announce its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Monday, January 19. Highlighting the day is Dr. Steven D. Parker, a transdisciplinary researcher-practitioner-leader and psychotherapist, who will give the keynote address: “Good Trouble in 2026: Recognize, Rejuvenate, and Redeem.”

The celebration of Dr. King will begin on Sunday, with the college hosting a special dinner for students and community leaders from around Goshen and Elkhart. The next day, on the national holiday honoring Dr. King, Goshen will cancel its classes for students and host a special convocation where Dr. Parker will give the keynote address. There will also be various songs, including “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This convocation and celebration, hosted in the Church-Chapel sanctuary, is free and open to the public, along with the pastries and coffee that will follow.

That afternoon, there will be workshops for faculty, staff and students, hosted by a variety of notable scholars, researchers and directors. More information about the speakers and workshops is available on the MLK Day landing page.

The day will conclude with a final celebration at 3:15 in the Recreation-Fitness Center.