The Spring is King Initiative
The Office of Academic Excellence & Opportunity, the Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life, and the Tulane Spring is King Planning Committee jointly host a series of events under a "Spring is King" umbrella each year to uplift Dr. King's message of nonviolence, voting rights, and beloved community throughout the spring semester.
Spring Is King 2026: "Threaded TUgether
About Our Theme:
Under our Overarching Theme, "Threaded TUgether," Inspired by Dr. King's 1965 Antioch College Commencement Address, and specifically the quote, "No one can live alone today, no nation can live in isolation. We're all tied together." This year's event series highlights the role of collective responsibility and community care. Additionally, anchored in themes of community and civic engagement, our 2026 series highlights the intersections of history, culture, and social change across New Orleans, Louisiana, and the world.
Spring Is King 2026 Events at Tulane University
Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Brunch
January 26, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Kendall Cram Auditorium
The university-wide kickoff for Spring is King honors Tulane and New Orleans community leaders whose work reflects Dr. King’s mission and Tulane's core values.
This Event is Currently Invitation Only.
Antisemitism Awareness Week
January 26–30, 2026
A weeklong series of programs focused on Jewish culture, with an emphasis on Southern Jewry for 2026.
View Antisemitism Awareness Week Events
New Orleans Black History Tour
February 6, 2026 | Departs Campus 9:00 a.m. | Returns to Campus 1:00 p.m.
A guided exploration of Black history in New Orleans led by local tour guide Leon Waters, highlighting underrepresented narratives and community knowledge.
RSVP for the Black History Tour
Lorde–Rustin LGBT History Tour and Panel
February 21, 2026 | Saturday | Departs Campus 9:00a.m. | Returns to Campus 12:00p.m. for an on-campus Panel
A tour and panel highlighting the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people of color in New Orleans and connecting the historical to the contemporary.
RSVP for the Lorde–Rustin Event
Spring Booked! with Keisha N. Blain
March 13, 2026 | Time TBD
A conversation on scholarship, writing, and publishing in partnership with the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University.
International Day to Combat Islamophobia Trainings for Faculty and Staff
April 2, 2026 | Multiple Sessions Throughout the Day
A full day of campus trainings and community events focused on recognizing and addressing Islamophobia in higher education. Join us for the Muslim Student Association Eid Celebration at No. 2 Audubon Place from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Creating Community Teach-In
April 10, 2026 | All Day
A campus-wide virtual teach-in featuring local and national speakers focused on collective learning, community knowledge, and collaborative engagement.
Center for Public Service Faculty and Staff Day of Service
Date TBD
A full-day service opportunity organized by the Center for Public Service as part of Spring Is King programming.
Learn More About the Day of Service
MLK Programming Events in New Orleans
Spring Is King also highlights partner-led events across New Orleans that connect Tulane to the city’s histories, communities, and ongoing movements for justice.
MLK Programming at Other Universities
Spring Is King recognizes and amplifies MLK-centered programming happening at peer institutions across the region and beyond.
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Dillard University
- The University of New Orleans
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Delgado Community College
- LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Tulane Department Events
Tulane departments and centers contribute to Spring Is King through programming that reflects Dr. King’s vision of collaboration, scholarship, and service.
We Are Grateful to Our Spring Is King Sponsors
Spring Is King is made possible through the partnership and support of many on-campus units here at Tulane
The Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity
The Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life
The Center for Public Service
The Office of Academic Affairs & Provost
Newcomb-Tulane College
The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Tulane Libraries
