Lexington, KY, January 20, 2026
The Lexington community gathered to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Freedom March themed ‘The Right to Live, The Right to Choose’. The event included a keynote address by Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford and a photo exhibit to celebrate Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights and social justice.
Lexington, KY Celebrates Dr. King with Freedom March
A Community Reflection of Legacy and Values
LEXINGTON, Ky. — On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Lexington community gathered to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the annual Freedom March and a commemorative program. The event, themed “The Right to Live, The Right to Choose: Health, Ballots & The Beloved Community,” aimed to reflect on Dr. King’s vision through the lenses of public health, voting rights, and the pursuit of a just and compassionate society.
Freedom March Details
The Freedom March commenced at 1 p.m. from the Central Bank Center on Main Street, drawing participants of all ages. The route traversed downtown Lexington, with street closures in effect to accommodate the marchers. Inbound East Main Street was closed at East Vine Street, and inbound West Main Street was closed at Newtown Pike starting at 12:30 p.m. During the march, rolling closures were implemented on Vine, Broadway, Rose, and Main Streets, with Vine Street reopening between Broadway and Rose Street as the march progressed. Main Street reopened progressively as the event concluded.
Commemorative Program
Following the march, a commemorative program was held at the Central Bank Center. The program featured a keynote address by the Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, senior pastor of Historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco. Rev. Crawford, a theologian and scholar, previously served as the inaugural national executive director of the Multifaith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration. The program also included a photo exhibit, which was scheduled to be displayed at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center from January 20 through January 30.
Community Engagement
Ja’Mahl McDaniel, director of the University of Kentucky Martin Luther King Center, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that the event was an opportunity to celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy and to reflect on its significance within the community. The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, a historic venue in Lexington, has been a focal point for cultural and community events since its reopening in 2010. The center continues to serve as a hub for arts, history, and education in the city.
Background
The annual Freedom March and commemorative program are longstanding traditions in Lexington, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights and social justice. The event serves as a platform for residents to come together, reflect on progress, and engage in discussions about ongoing efforts toward equality and justice.
Key Features of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration in Lexington
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | “The Right to Live, The Right to Choose: Health, Ballots & The Beloved Community” |
| Freedom March | Started at 1 p.m. from the Central Bank Center on Main Street, traversing downtown Lexington |
| Street Closures | Inbound East Main Street closed at East Vine Street; inbound West Main Street closed at Newtown Pike starting at 12:30 p.m. |
| Commemorative Program | Held at the Central Bank Center, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford and a photo exhibit |
| Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center | Photo exhibit displayed from January 20 through January 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the theme of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration in Lexington?
The theme was “The Right to Live, The Right to Choose: Health, Ballots & The Beloved Community,” inviting the community to reflect on Dr. King’s vision through the lenses of public health, voting rights, and the pursuit of a just and compassionate society.
When and where did the Freedom March take place?
The Freedom March took place on Monday, January 19, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. from the Central Bank Center on Main Street in downtown Lexington.
Who was the keynote speaker at the commemorative program?
The keynote speaker was the Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, senior pastor of Historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco.
What is the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center?
The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center is a historic venue in Lexington that serves as a hub for arts, history, and education. It reopened in 2010 and continues to host cultural and community events.
What is the significance of the annual Freedom March in Lexington?
The annual Freedom March is a longstanding tradition in Lexington, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to civil rights and social justice.
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