41st Annual MLK Day Commemoration to Foster Unity in Lebanon, Ohio

Community gathering honors Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, music, and recognition of local leaders in service and justice.

[Lebanon, Ohio — January 8, 2026] The community is invited to gather for the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1270 N. Broadway Street, Lebanon.

This year’s theme, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” comes from Dr. King’s 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail and underscores the enduring truth that justice and dignity are interconnected for all people.

The Rev. John Shonle will host the program, which will feature a keynote address by Hakim Oliver, a well-known educator, coach, and community leader in Warren County. Music will be provided by the MLK Lebanon Community Choir, directed by event committee chairpersons Jay Mills and Sara Davis. The event will also include the announcement of the MLK Lebanon Drum Major Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose lives reflect Dr. King’s legacy of service and justice.

2026 Drum Major Award Honorees include:

Youth – Leader of Tomorrow: Eli Ansberry, recognized for his compassionate service at the Lebanon Food Pantry, academic excellence, and proactive commitment to meeting community needs.

Adult Leader (Posthumously): Thomas Seddon, former President and CEO of the Warren County Foundation, honored for his enduring leadership, philanthropic impact, and role in advancing racial healing through the Living Undivided initiative.

Outstanding Organization: SAFE on Main, recognized for its comprehensive, inclusive support of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and for its commitment to prevention education and justice.

Following the program, attendees are invited to stay for refreshments, networking, fellowship, and to discuss the keynote with Hakim and the Rev. Jackie Matisse.

This free, public event welcomes all who seek to honor Dr. King’s vision and strengthen unity within the Lebanon community.

About MLK Lebanon
MLK Lebanon (Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio) to participate in Dr. King’s vision of “the beloved community,” our mission is to grow a coalition of organizations that engage diverse people in respectful dialogue for peaceful action toward justice, equity, and belonging. Founded on the principles of Unity, Action, and Service, MLK Lebanon works to create positive change in the community through education, strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and awareness-building activities. The coalition hosts the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration, Drum Major Awards, service projects, scholarship opportunities, and community events that promote empowerment, diversity, equity, and inclusion. MLK Lebanon engages partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations to strengthen community bonds, inspire civic participation, and foster a more just and compassionate Lebanon. For more information, visit mlklebanon.org.