FIU would like to thank everyone who supports our annual celebration events.
| 8 am | GC Ballrooms | ||
| 9 am | Various Locations | ||
MLK-Robert M. Coatie Youth Forum | January 21, 2026 | 10 am | WUC Ballrooms |
MLK Student Dinner | January 22, 2026 | 5 pm | Faculty Club |
Florida International University values and honors the late, great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his efforts in fighting for civil rights. For more than 30 years, the MLK Commemorative Celebration planning committee has proudly brought world renowned civil rights activists and educators to speak at FIU.
This event is a collaborative effort between the Center for Leadership and Service and the Centers for Student Engagement. Hundreds of FIU student volunteers are engaged in a one day project aimed at restoring and beautifying a targeted area in Miami-Dade County. Past project options included: Off-campus at Deering Estate - Beach Cleanup - Off-campus at Lotus House - addressing how we can support homelessness in women in children. Assisting operation team in cleaning, organizing, meal prep and serving food. On-campus at MMC - Operation Gratitude - supporting our first responders, veterans, deployed troops, and wounded heroes by showing we care. Crafting paracord bracelets and letters to be added to care packages. MLK Day of Service will be held on January 17, 2026. Click Here for more information.
Florida International University is committed to the ideas of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and we reach out to the local South Florida community in many ways. One of the most rewarding ways is by participating in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade that is held on 54th Street annually. FIU has been a long-time participant in the parade, and our contingent has grown to be one of the largest in the parade, with participation from our students, athletes, faculty, staff and administration. This event is free for FIU students, staff, alumni and administration. *FIU's Contingency within the parade has been postponed until further notice
The Robert M. Coatie-MLK Youth Forum will be hosted on January 21, 2026, at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus. The Robert M. Coatie Youth Forum follows in the spirit of the MLK Commemorative Breakfast. While the focus is to target middle and high school students, the dedication is at the same level in bringing renowned speakers to inspire these youths to not only achieve their best, but to follow the ideals of Dr. King in their everyday lives.
Dr. Melqaam Shaw is a Gates Millennium Scholar, certified Eric Thomas & Associates speaker, educator, author, and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Melqaam’s hospitable personality has allowed him to speak to thousands of collegiate students, faculty and staff, and with organizations such as TED, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, and Howard University.
Melqaam is not afraid to challenge the status quo. His Gullah Geechee dialect is quickly becoming a global phenomenon. Melqaam’s willingness to succeed has led him to become the most sought after higher education speaker. “ My mission to increase academic achievement through metacognitve strategy development is driven by my vision. My vision is to ensure that all students overstand this- The promise BEfore you is greater than the pain BEhind you.”
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Exhibition Series at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum addresses issues of race, civil rights, and humanity to serve as a catalyst for dialogue and to enrich our community with new perspectives. This exhibit is on hold until further notice.
