38th Annual Commemorative Weekend Celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Organization, Sussex County, Inc. invites everyone to participate in the 38th Annual Commemorative Weekend Celebration in honor of the late Civil Rights Leader, January 17-19, 2026.
Our theme for the weekend this year is “Moving Forward Amidst the Storm”. Our theme reflects the persistence, perseverance, strength and resilience that we all possess. Regardless of how hard the struggle becomes we will by the grace of God, continue to press on and move forward as we strive to unite our country and the world in peace and unity.
The Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026 beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the Bryan A. Stevenson School of Excellence, located at 20346 Ennis Street Georgetown, DE 19947; site of the former Howard T. Ennis School. The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Debbie Harrington, Board of Trustees; Delaware State University.
On Sunday January 18, 2026, we encourage everyone to worship at a location of your choice. Throughout the weekend, we encourage you to participate in the various activities sponsored by local organizations, especially service projects.
On Monday, January 19, 2026 we continue our annual tradition of conducting a Monday Holiday Community Worship Service, beginning at 10:00 A.M. The Service will be in person at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 500 W. Fourth Street, Lewes, DE 19958. The Messenger for the Monday Worship Service is the Reverend Janet West from Friendship Baptist Church in Lewes, DE. The worship leader will be Mrs. Kendra Gainey from Friendship United Methodist Church in Millsboro, DE. For Monday Holiday Worship information, call Janie Miller: 302-226-0515.
The price for banquet tickets is $55 for adults and $25 for children age 14 and under. Advance sales only. No tickets sold at the door. The deadline to reserve tickets is January 7, 2026. If you would like to sponsor youth tickets for the banquet, purchase tickets or need additional information, please call Hattie Bull at 302-228-0057 or email: hattiebull1951@gmail.com.
A Souvenir Booklet will be available for full (8 1/2 x 10) and 1/2 (8 1/2 x 5) page ads. ALL ADS MUST BE CAMERA READY! Full Page Ad – $100.00, 1/2 Page Ad – $50.00. A Patron List is also available at only $10.00. The price of an ad for the inside front or back cover is $125. Deadline for submitting ads: December 23, 2025. Contact Janie Miller at 302-226-0515 or email to jmm49@live.com if you wish to purchase an Ad or Patron.
The community’s support is always needed and appreciated in perpetuating and nurturing the legacy, the vision and the dream of Dr. King. Donations to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Organization may be sent to P.O Box 781, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Contributions will help fund scholarships for deserving youth in Sussex County and the on-going work of the Organization.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Dr. MLK Celebration Organization, Sussex County, Inc.
