DENMARK, S.C. — Voorhees University will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Program on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Massachusetts Hall, Lawrence Memorial Auditorium. This yearly observance honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reaffirms the university’s commitment to service, justice, and community engagement.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Bobby Donaldson, a nationally respected historian and public scholar. A native of Augusta, Georgia, Dr. Donaldson serves as an Associate Professor of History, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research, and the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowed Chair of Public Service and Civic Engagement at the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Donaldson’s work focuses on African American history, civil rights, and the Black experience in the South. He leads the Columbia SC 63 project, a major documentary initiative exploring civil rights history across South Carolina. Throughout his career, he has contributed to museum exhibitions, archival projects, documentary films, and historic preservation efforts.
His distinguished honors include the Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award, the South Carolina Governor’s Humanities Award, and an honorary degree from Benedict College. He has also been recognized by the Columbia Urban League with the Whitney Young Award.
Voorhees University welcomes students, faculty, alumni, and community members to join this meaningful event honoring Dr. King’s legacy.