MLK Day 2026: Instruments for Change

MLK Day 2026: Instruments for Change celebrates the enduring connection between the arts and activism, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in the civil rights movement. This year's theme highlights how creative expression—music, performance, and visual art—has long served as a powerful force for social change.

Central to the celebration is our Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection exhibition, featuring 33 black-and-white photographs that capture the brilliance and cultural impact of jazz legends from the 1920s to the 1980s. Their stories remind us that jazz, like the civil rights movement itself, is rooted in resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of freedom.

Throughout the day, visitors can engage in hands-on crafts, screen-printing with MacFly Fresh, enjoy story time sessions introducing children to jazz, or experience screenings including Our Friend, Martin and Rustin. Two panel discussions will bring together visionary artists and thinkers to discuss how contemporary creative practices continue to advance justice as it relates to the current social political climate of Charlotte & beyond. Live performances—including a dance production by JOYEMOVEMENT—and workshops like "Strokes of Freedom" offer opportunities for creative participation and reflection.

Through these programs, Instruments for Change invites our community to experience how the arts continue to inspire action, strengthen connection, and shape a more just future. All are welcome to join us for a day of creativity, conversation, and celebration at the Gantt.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Food Lion for being our presenting sponsors for MLK Day 2026.

MLK Day 2026 is proudly presented by Food Lion.

Program Schedule

Note that this program schedule is subject to change.

Drop-In MLK Coloring Sheets
9 am - 5 pm (Mezzanine, 3rd Floor)

For children and colorers of all ages. Use crayons, markers, and colored pencils to bring to life an assortment of creative coloring sheets, all themed for MLK Day.

Story Time with Jerrard Polk: A Child's Introduction to Jazz
9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3 pm (Museum Store, 1st Floor)

Take a journey through the history of jazz during this interactive reading by Jerrard Polk, illustrator of A Child's Introduction to Jazz.

Our Friend, Martin: Animated Film
9:30 am & 11:30 am (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)

Enjoy the crowd-favorite animated film, a story of two friends in middle school who travel through time, meeting Rev. Dr. King at different points in his life. The film features an all-star voice cast, including Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, and more.

21st Century Art for Change - Panel Discussion
10 am - 11:30 am (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

Moderated by de’Angelo Dia, this panel discussion about the arts & activism will feature insights from Alexandra Joye Warren (Founder, JOYEMOVEMENT), Mario Moore (Detroit-Based Artist, In Pursuit of Home exhibition), and Nigel Malone (Founder, Colorful Noise).

Guided Tours
10:30 am, 1 pm & 2:30 pm (2nd & 3rd Floor Galleries)

Enjoy a guided tour of our building and the current exhibitions on view including Praise House: Adama Delphine Fawundu, Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection, and In Pursuit of Home by Mario Moore.

Rustin Movie Screening
10:30 am & 1:30 pm (MODA Digital Arts Studio, 2nd Floor)

Rustin (2023) is based on the true story of Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black man and civil rights activist, who served as advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington.

MacFly Fresh Printing
11 am - 2 pm (Mezzanine, 3rd Floor)

Guests can bring tote bags, t-shirts, posters, etc. for printing with MacFly Fresh Printing Co (limit 1 item per person). Guests will learn about the screen printing process and walk away with a print to take home. The MLK 2026 designs have been created by our Youth Residency students.

Community Journaling Workshop with Strokes of Freedom
11:30 am - 1:30 pm (Rooftop, 4th Floor)

This journaling workshop, led by Ashley Wright, will feature prompts to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the way that we can use our voices today to create change. We will have pens and paper available for guests to use, but we encourage guests to bring their own journals for this workshop.

"Civil Rights" - Keynote Panel Discussion
12 noon - 1:30 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

Join us in a discussion surrounding civil rights as it relates to the past & present social political climate of Charlotte, moderated by Dr. Brenda Flanagan. Panelists Glenn Burkins (Founder & Publisher, Q City Metro), Mel Watt (Former United States Representative), and Council Member JD Mazuera Arias (District 5 Representative) will touch on the history of North Carolina's political climate and movements for change from the civil rights movement to today.

Jazz Performance with Pianist Lovell Bradford
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Gallery West, 3rd Floor)

Experience the artistry of pianist Lovell Bradford, while taking in photographs in one of our current exhibitions - Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection.

JOYEMOVEMENT Dance Performance: Love Notes
2 pm - 3 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

Choreographed by Alexandra Joye Warren, Love Notes explores human connection through movement. This interactive dance piece invites the audience to impact the performance through its influence and to be seen from multiple perspectives.

Instrument Petting Zoo
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)

This hands-on activity allows children and families to see, touch, hear, and play a variety of musical instruments.

"Affordable Housing" - Panel Discussion
3 pm - 4 pm (Rooftop, 4th Floor)

Christine Edwards Pitkin (Founder, Civility Localized), will lead a discussion on affordable housing with Council Member LaWana Mayfield and board members from local community organizations.

Youth Residency "I Have A Dream"
3 pm - 4:30 pm (Mezzanine, 3rd Floor)

This drop-in activity, led by the Gantt's Youth Residency: At the Table students, invites guests to write out their dreams and aspirations to add to a community canvas for the day.

The University Chorale - UNC Charlotte
4:30 pm - 5 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

The university's mixed chorus presents live collective vocal stylings of lyrics and sounds that reflect the complexity of the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of Dr. King.