Picturing Progress

2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

The mission of the ASU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is to celebrate the legacy and the tenets set forth by Dr. King and his life examples of servant-leadership. Servant leadership is a practical philosophy which supports people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions.

Servant-leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening and the ethical use of power and empowerment. The ASU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee encourages the continuation of Dr. King’s legacy all year long.

In 2026, we reflect on the continuing arc of progress—both personal and collective. This year’s theme, Picturing Progress, invites us to consider how each of us defines growth and envisions justice in our everyday lives. Progress is not a fixed path—it is a conversation, a question, and a personal image shaped by experience, culture, and hope.

As we honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy, we are reminded that progress often begins with a single word, a single act of listening, or a single step forward. Words carry power. They spark movements, shift perspectives, and build bridges between communities. The visual identity this year serves as a metaphor for this very idea: that every quote, every conversation, every voice contributes to the climb toward equity and understanding.

We continue to build on the foundations laid by historic milestones like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which Dr. King passionately advocated for. That legislation, and the moments of courage surrounding it, remain a compass for today’s evolving definitions of justice. From housing to education, from voting access to disability rights, the fight for equity is ongoing—and deeply personal.

We ask: How do you picture progress?