Purdue University Northwest invites community members to join 2026 MLK Day events

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join in celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy through free programming on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2026.

PNW will host two opportunities for community members to celebrate and recognize MLK Day 2026. Both programs will feature engaging keynote speakers and opportunities for dialogue. Event and registration information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration.

Jan. 15, 2026 MLK Day Celebration in Hammond

PNW’s Jan. 15 MLK Day celebration runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Alumni Hall of the Student Union and Library Building on the Hammond campus, 2200 169th St., Hammond, Ind.

The keynote speaker will be Shontrai Irving, PNW alumnus and clinical professor of Business Law at PNW. Irving, who practices law in Indiana and Illinois, teaches coursework on areas including business law, litigation, ethics, justice and courts in PNW’s College of Business. Outside of the classroom, Irving leads the “Leaders in Law, Leaders in Literacy” initiative, connecting lawyers, college students and young individuals to promote literacy, empowerment and civic engagement. He was a 2023 recipient of Purdue University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamer Award, which recognizes Purdue University community members whose contributions exemplify the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of service.

Jan. 19, 2026 MLK Day Celebration in Westville

PNW’s Jan. 19 MLK Day celebration, which will coincide with the federal holiday, runs from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The program takes place in the Great Hall Events and Conference Center inside the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex on PNW’s Westville branch campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, Ind.

The program will include a performance by the Michigan City Krueger Middle School Choir, remarks by PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford and Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, and a keynote address by Kiahna W. Davis.

Davis, a native of Michigan City, is the CEO of Indianapolis-based Mind Your Business (MYB) Accounting and Business Consulting. In her role, Davis leads tax strategy, accounting and fractional chief financial officer (CFO) services. She has channeled her financial expertise into community impact in several capacities. These have included serving as inaugural president of the African American Legacy Fund of Indianapolis, in which she and other members raised over $500,000 for grassroots organizations in the organization’s first year. Davis’ civic work also includes leadership roles with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Jack and Jill of America and The Links, Incorporated, as well as serving as a precinct chair for Hamilton County, Ind. Davis also serves as the central region director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

PNW’s Jan. 19 MLK Day celebration will also include a free buffet breakfast.

For more information on PNW’s MLK Day celebrations, including sponsorship opportunities, visit pnw.edu/mlk-celebration.

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.