Milligan is closed (no classes; offices closed) on MLK Jr. Day, Monday, January 15. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an influential American civil rights leader, best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. Dr. King’s steadfast commitment to service has inspired people all around the United States and the world to work together to make positive change. We join together as servant-leaders to put this message into action.

MLK Day of Service is coordinated by the Milligan Office of Student Development in partnership with Multicultural Education Resource Team (MERT), Linking Individuals to the Needs of the Community (LINC), and SGA.

On-Campus Educational Opportunity

Join us in the Gregory Center on Monday, Jan. 15 at 7:00p.m. for a special learning opportunity about the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1SFP Offered.

Other Community Opportunities

All events are open to the public.

Worship Service

What: An interdenominational worship service hosted by the Johnson City Ministerial Alliance.

Where: St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 201 Welbourne St.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Cost: Free


Prayer Breakfast

What: An annual, interfaith event that speaks to Dr. King and his legacy. Guest speaker is Dr. Harold Middlebrook

Where: Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 225 Princeton Road

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Cost: Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased the day of the event. Proceeds support Carver Recreation Center’s annual youth trip to a Civil Rights Movement historic site.


Food Drive

What: Countywide food drive supporting Good Samaritan Ministries, Jonesborough Ministerial Alliance Food Pantries

Where: Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave.; Langston Centre, 315 Elm St.; McKinney Center, 103 Franklin Ave.; Good Samaritan Ministries, 100 N. Roan St.

When: Now through Monday, Jan. 15


Storytelling Event

What: Annual event that educates youth (ages 6-12) on Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement through storytelling and music.

Where: Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave.

When: Monday Jan. 15, 9 a.m.-noon.

Cost: Free


Unity Program and Walk

What: A brief ceremony will culminate with a unity walk (less than 2 miles).

Where: Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, noon

Cost: Free


Blood Drive

What: In honor of those who shed blood for others by giving blood to help others.

Where: Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, 1-6 p.m.

Cost: Free


Community Dinner

What: Annual event that celebrates Dr. King’s legacy as well as honors individuals who make the community special.

Where: Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, 6-8 p.m.

Cost: Free


Vincent Dial Student Art Exhibit

What: Art on display will feature students from Washington County and Johnson City Schools. The artwork will be inspired by Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement.

Where: McKinney Center, 103 Franklin Ave., Jonesborough

Public Reception: Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-8 p.m.

When: Exhibit open Jan. 15-19


2024 Event: The Importance of MLK to the Latinx Community

What: Dr. Paul Ortiz teaches at the University of Florida. His area of research is African American and Latinx history in the United States. He will explain the multicultural elements of the modern Civil Rights Movement.

Where: Langston Centre, 315 Elm St.

When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.