While Bunker Hill Community College observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026, we will be exploring the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader throughout the month with a series of online and in person events.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program Series
Welcome Back Week
January 30 – February 10, 2026
The Dream in Our Hands: Dr. King’s Vision and Student Progress
Series Introduction
Martin Luther King, Jr. fought against division and had communities of kindness and understanding as a goal. He demonstrated peace in the face of violence, resilience, and courage in his fight against injustice. Our goal through this programming series is to encourage Bunker Hill Community College students, faculty, staff, and community partners to build upon the legacy of social justice, leadership, scholarship, and non-violent activism of Martin Luther King, Jr. By embracing multimedia, inviting diverse voices, and sharing our visions for an inclusive, beloved community, this programming series encourages participants to pick up the torch to make MLK Jr.’s dreams our reality.
This project is a collaboration between the Office of the Associate Provost-Charlestown, the Office of Access and Opportunity, the Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of College Events and Cultural Planning.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
You are cordially invited to Bunker Hill Community College's 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Brunch.
The Dream in Our Hands: Dr. King’s Vision and Student Progress
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
BHCC Health & Wellness Center, G-Building
Please RSVP by January 26, 2026.
In collaboration with BHCC Black History Month
The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin
Tuesday, February 3 | 1 p.m.
C-202
One of the close advisors of MLK, Jr. and principal architects of the March on Washington, Rustin was instrumental in the organization of Marches in the 50s and 60s. The life, times, and historical contributions of Bayard Rustin have not been explored and given adequate credit for his contribution to the movement. This could be because he was a gay man affiliated with the Communist Party. President Obama awarded him the Congressional Medal of Freedom posthumously for his contribution to the movement. The presenter will walk us through the life and times of Bayard Rustin.
Lee Santos Silva, Professor, English Department
Black Storytelling: From Harlem to Wakanda—and Unanimous Goldmine
Wednesday, February 4 | 6 p.m.
This talk examines storytelling across interconnected movements, moments, and artifacts--the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Panther films, and Saul Williams’s movie, Neptune Frost. Together, they show how Black storytellers consistently archive the past, envision alternative futures, and challenge the structures that try to limit them.
Welcome by Vengerflutta Smith, Assistant Dean of Students, Student Affairs
Presenter Arthur Onipede Hollist, Ph.D., Professor of English, University of Tampa
- Join by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82249006969
- Meeting ID: 822 4900 6969
- Passcode: No
- Dial by your location: 1 646 876
Experience Couched in Poetic Expressions: Society & Me
Thursday, February 5 | 1 p.m.
C-202
In one of his many sermons entitled: "A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart," Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. begins with the statement: " The Strong man holds in a living blend strongly marked opposites... But life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony." Building on this profound statement, this presentation offers a poetic analysis of the "self" under the theme of "Society and Me," as follows. A society thrives on the stratification of its members. It is the right of the stratified to unyoke themselves for good or for bad. These poems seek to describe the angst for justice, fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity in poetic expressions. The audience will listen to several short poems from Dr. George Walters-Sleyon's book entitled: Nuggets from The Night: An Anthology of Poetic Expression.
Dr. George M. Walters-Sleyon, Professor, Behavioral Science Department
Selma
Tuesday, February 10 | 12:30 p.m.
C-202
See the story of the movement that couldn't be silenced. Come watch the historical, drama film, Selma and learn how local activists and student leaders organized one of the most significant protests in history.
Movie snacks will be provided
The Mary L. Fifield Art Gallery
Medicine Joy: Spaces for Dreaming, Places for Healing
Works by Robin M. Chandler
Spring Semester through April 17, 2026
This exhibition is a semester-long immersive experience in the College’s commitment to the oneness of humanity, re-affirming our connections with one another as global citizens, and in-classroom artist-scholar sessions. This co-creation of community embraces dreams of world peace and the healing power of the arts! The exhibition features a tribute installation to international icon and superstar, Celia Cruz.
The Art Gallery is open Monday – Friday, 12 - 4 p.m.
To book a gallery visit, guest lecture or cultural presentation with the resident, please email Kevin Wery at kwery@bhcc.edu or Denise Turner at dwturner@bhcc.edu
Admission to the Art Gallery and related events are free and open to the public.