As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, communities across the United States come together to honor the life and legacy of one of the nation’s most influential civil rights leaders. In Fredericksburg, Virginia, residents take this occasion not only to reflect on Dr. King’s transformative impact but also to participate in local events that celebrate his dream of equality, justice, and community unity.
Fredericksburg, a city rich in history and culture, is home to various activities aimed at fostering dialogue, service, and remembrance on MLK Day. From educational programs to volunteer initiatives, here’s a look at some of the key events happening in Fredericksburg that will commemorate Dr. King’s life and work.
James Farmer Multicultural Center’s Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
From January 18 – 24th, 2026, UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center hosts a collection of events in honor of MLK. Enjoy one or all of the following events!
MLK Jr. Kids Day
Sunday, January 18| 3pm | James Monroe High School
Children from the local Fredericksburg area are invited to enjoy games, activities, and crafts to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual community MLK celebration. The event is sponsored by the Partnership for Excellence.
The University of Mary Washington Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Speaker: Kaye Savage
Wednesday, January 21 | 7 pm | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center
Kaye Savage began her career as a certified special education teacher serving low-income students in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Her passion to make a difference led to a position as a Research Analyst at the Urban Institute focusing on the economically efficient programs for the developmentally disabled. She later moved onto the public service arena with a focus on local and federal government legislative and programmatic initiatives targeting urban economically distressed communities.
She worked in the White House during Ronald Reagan’s administration to establish the Historical Black College and Universities (HBCUs) Initiative. A few years later, she served as the Program Manager for the District of Columbia Family Education Network, a special parent training initiative of Fight for Children and was the founding National Director for the 21st Century School Fund, a national non-profit focused on improving the quality of public-school buildings in urban areas. Additionally, she was the Founder and former CEO of Excel Academy Public Charter School in Washington, the first and only public school for girls in the District of Columbia. Excel opened in August of 2008 with 134 preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten scholars. In school year 2014-15, Excel served more than 725 preschool through sixth grade scholars. Consequently, she founded CNXIS Consulting, LLC to provide services to public and private clients in the areas of adult education and workforce development.
Kaye attended Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, completed her undergraduate education at Howard University, where she earned both a Bachelor and a Master of Science degrees, with high honors. She was awarded an Intergovernmental Fellowship during her tenure at the Department of Housing and Urban Development earning her MPA from the University of Southern California. Furthermore, she is a Building Excellent Schools Fellow, a former member of the Board of Trustees for the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, a founding member of the National Network of Schools in Partnerships and served as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for The United Planning Organization of Washington, DC. Recently, she completed the Executive Non-Profit Management Program at Harvard Business School.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Saturday, January 24 | 1 pm – 4 pm | Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
Co-Sponsored by COAR
Join students as they celebrate a national Day of Service on the UMW campus. The MLK Day of Service is a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision with service projects for Fredericksburg-area agencies. Observed each year as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage everyone to volunteer to improve their communities. Refreshments will be provided.
NAACP Fredericksburg Branch’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast
Monday, January 19 | 9am – 11am | Fredericksburg Convention Center
Join the Fredericksburg NAACP for their annual prayer breakfast in celebration of the work of MLK! Enjoy breakfast at 9am followed by a program filled with music, prayer, and uplifting speech. Proceeds from this event support the Fredericksburg NAACP in their efforts throughout the year. Get tickets here.
Serve with the Habitat for Humanity
Monday, January 19
Join the Habitat for Humanity and help provide a meal service from 4-6pm at the Micah Respite Center in downtown Fredericksburg or anytime during the day between 6am – 7pm at the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter. Both opportunities offer a hands-on way to honor Dr. King’s legacy through compassion and service in our city.
Community Conversations – Civil Rights Then and Now
Monday, January 19 | 6 – 7:30pm | Curitiba Art Cafe
Join the League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area for a guided, nonpartisan community dialogue honoring Dr. King’s legacy by exploring what civil rights work looks like in practice today—grounded in local context and facts.
Updated on 1/7/26