New Hampshire has a complicated place in the history of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The state was among the last to fully recognize the holiday by name in 2000. That history makes celebrations today feel especially meaningful. 

➡️ Read up on what happened here: The 20-year battle for recognizing Martin Luther King Day in New Hampshire

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

✊ Martin Luther King Day events for your calendar

📢 Question of the week: What are your thoughts on Trump’s invasion of Venezuela?

📅 Top events for your calendar

A Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in Washington, DC. (Julie Clopper/Shutterstock)

By Britteny Dee

📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend at Calumet
Calumet, Jan. 16–19
A weekend-long celebration featuring meditation, arts and crafts, hiking, snowshoeing, and a service project supporting End 68 Hours of Hunger.
More info

📍 2026 MLK Jr. Community Celebration
Manchester, Jan. 19
The 44th annual community celebration, with the theme “Uplifting resistance through community,” honors former state senator Melanie Levesque, with music and speakers.
More info

📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Pancake Breakfast
Portsmouth, Jan. 19 
A free pancake breakfast hosted by the Seacoast NAACP, followed by speakers, entertainment, and a walking tour highlighting local Black history.
More info

📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event
Concord, Jan. 19
A youth-focused event hosted by Project S.T.O.R.Y., featuring a youth panel discussion and speeches from community leaders.
More info

NH Rep. Maggie Goodlander recently called out President Donald Trump for turning his back on the American economy by shifting focus to Venezuela.

So this week’s question is…

What are your thoughts on the president taking control of Venezuela? 

Here’s what you’re saying…

“It is impossible to find anything positive that Trump has done as president. I am almost afraid to read the news every day. It seems like our closest world ally heading forward will be Putin!” — Lynda Williams

“A deadly step, among many, in the wrong direction. It sets a precedent for God knows what.” — Ruth Carr

⛸️ S’more Ice Skating Party
Lebanon — Fri. Jan. 23
An evening of ice skating paired with s’mores and winter treats, designed as a family-friendly outdoor event.
More info

🎶 Musical event honoring Martin Luther King
Jaffrey — Mon. Jan. 19 
A free community gathering honoring Martin Luther King Jr. through music and reflection from 5-6 p.m. The program features performances by the Monadnock Chorus and Dublin School Chorus, presentations by Jaffrey fifth-graders on singer-activists, and songs highlighting the role of music in the Civil Rights Movement.
More info

🎤 MLK Day Keynote: Lift Every Voice
Jaffrey — Sun. Jan. 25 
A keynote address by Dr. André de Quadros, professor of music at Boston University and international human rights activist. The talk explores the power of music in healing, reconciliation, and peace building, drawing from global experiences and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The Program starts at 2 p.m. Free reservations required.
More info

🌕 Full Moon Fiesta
Lebanon — Sat. Jan. 31
A winter community celebration tied to the full moon, featuring seasonal activities and outdoor fun in downtown Lebanon.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from Britteny Dee. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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