NMC kicks off its 2025 Embrace the Dream programming, a series of events marking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, on January 20. A calendar of events is available at nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream.

Monday, Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

  • Free admission to the Dennos Museum Center, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • The 2025 Marching for Justice exhibit, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the museum’s sculpture court. This extraordinary exhibit showcases over 150 original artifacts, highlighting pivotal moments in Black history—from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to contemporary social justice movements.
  • Free MLK Day Lecture featuring Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, 2–3 p.m. A former social studies teacher, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim’s expertise encompasses Black History, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), Implicit Bias, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and Hip Hop Pedagogy. Get free tickets and learn more about the lecture here.
  • Building Bridges with Music presents An Evening of Voices to Commemorate Dr. King, City Opera House, 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Featuring The Brazea Dennard Chorale, NMC Chamber Singers and NMC Children’s Choir: Cantus. Learn more and get free tickets to the concert here.

January 30, February 4, 20 & 25: Food for the Soul meals at the Hawk Owl Café. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. (No 4–6 p.m. serving February 20)

Thursday Feb. 6, 4:30–6 p.m.: NMC Library Read-Aloud & Craft Night. Children ages 3–12 are invited to an Embrace the Dream Read Aloud and Craft Night hosted at the library. The books have been selected with an eye for great stories and diverse characters and are written and illustrated by Black authors and artists. In addition to a read-aloud with our volunteers, each child will complete a craft and receive their own copy of the book to keep. Accompanying adults can browse the library collection but should plan on remaining close by in the building. The library is also recruiting volunteers to serve as readers or craft station facilitators, interested folks can sign up here.

For more information visit nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream, which will be updated with more events as they are added.