Over the last year, Temple University has been building on its strong foundation of community impact and civic engagement. One of the best illustrations of that commitment will come in January 2026.
For the first time in more than 15 years, on January 19, 2026, Temple University will host the 31st Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service’s regional signature project.
The Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service was founded in Philadelphia in 1996 and stands as the oldest and largest event of its kind in the nation. Over the last three decades, more than 2.6 million individuals have volunteered throughout the region, making a significant impact on the community.
“The Martin Luther King Day of Service is one of the most significant annual community service events for the City of Philadelphia, and we are delighted to serve as its host this year,” said Temple University President John Fry. “Dr. King’s message for justice and civil rights is as important today as it was in 1963, and at Temple, we will always be deeply committed to living out the lessons of that message. I encourage all members of the Temple community to give back both during the annual Day of Service and every day throughout the year.”
The national Martin Luther King Day of Service was established through the King Holiday and Service Act of 1994. This landmark federal legislation was co-authored by then-Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and U.S. Representative John Lewis of Georgia, and was signed into law on August 23, 1994. The act embraces Dr. King’s legacy of civil rights and social justice by transforming the holiday into a day of citizen action, serving as a catalyst for year-round community involvement.
Todd Bernstein, president of Global Citizen and founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, expressed excitement about Temple’s role as host. “We are thrilled that Temple University will host the 31st annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service regional signature project,” he said.
Bernstein noted the historical significance of the university’s involvement: “It is fitting because Dr. King spoke at the Baptist Temple (now the Temple Performing Arts Center) on August 4, 1965, as part of his ‘Freedom Now Tour.’ Dr. King’s appearance 60 years ago and President John Fry’s decades-long commitment to social justice through civic engagement among young people make Temple the perfect host. This event brings together participants from all backgrounds and ages, united in honoring the legacy of Dr. King through citizen action on the federal holiday and beyond.”
This year at Temple, volunteers will assemble “Book Arks” as part of the regional signature project. These self-standing structures resemble newspaper “honor boxes” and will provide free books to individuals and organizations in local communities. After the project, the Book Arks will be transported directly to their new homes.
The Book Ark assembly is just one of dozens of events taking place at Temple on January 19. Other planned activities include:
– A jobs and opportunity fair featuring dozens of local employers offering job openings
– A peace and justice rally highlighting the history of the local Civil Rights Movement and social activism, complemented by music and cultural presentations organized by the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters
– A health and wellness fair with information sessions, presentations, and health screenings
– A kids carnival offering educational opportunities and hands-on projects for children ages 5 to 15
Valerie Harrison, Temple’s vice president for community impact and civic engagement, emphasized the broader commitment behind these efforts. “We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community in a way that reflects the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but for us at Temple, honoring the legacy of Dr. King goes beyond just one day,” she said.
“This is the latest example of how we are intentionally working to more deeply weave civic and community engagement into the culture here at Temple.”
Temple’s hosting of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service is particularly timely. This fall, the university launched Owls for Philly, a university-wide volunteer program designed to connect faculty, staff, students, and alumni with the North Philadelphia neighborhood and beyond through volunteerism and civic engagement.
Launched by the Office of Community Impact and Civic Engagement, Owls for Philly allows eligible nonfaculty employees to use up to eight hours of paid time annually for volunteer activities, reinforcing Temple’s commitment to community partnership.
A kickoff news conference for the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service will be held on January 7, 2026, at the Temple Performing Arts Center. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and President Fry will share more details about the January 19 event.
During the news conference, a dramatic mural painted by area students will be unveiled, and Mayor Parker will present the 28th annual Harris Wofford Active Citizenship Award.
For more information, including how to register a project or volunteer, please visit [globalcitizen365.org](https://globalcitizen365.org).
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/temple-university-to-host-2026-greater-philadelphia-king-day-of-service/article_2b41bdc7-d55c-4b36-b178-4463c37e34ef.html