The Rainbow PUSH organization will host the "Let Freedom Ring" celebration, a free public event that commemorates the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth. The event takes place at the Fox Theatre on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 4 p.m. and highlights individuals and organizations that exude the spirit of Dr. King.
This year’s distinguished honorees include retired Senator Debbie Stabenow; Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; DTE Energy President and CEO Joi Harris; acclaimed American actor, musician, and playwright Jeff Daniels; Alkebu-Lan Village founder and CEO Marvis Cofield; and Covenant House Michigan, with CEO Megan Dunn accepting on their behalf. The performance by Brazeal Dennard Chorale along with Martin Luther King Jr. High School fine arts department.
This event is free to the public and tickets are available now at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.
"We look forward to honoring these extraordinary leaders who have embodied Dr. King’s commitment to social justice by giving selflessly of themselves, their resources, and their ingenuity,” Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. said, founder and president emeritus of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. “The collective action of these individuals has strengthened humanity, and their work continues to personify the legacy of Dr. King in a way that empowers upward mobility through fairness and equity. We are pleased to shine more light on their efforts.”
Previous award recipients have included Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin, Congressman John Conyers, civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo, Detroit Tiger great Willie Horton, actor, singer and social activist Harry Belafonte, Detroit News Publisher and Editor Jon Wolman, Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ J. Drew Sheard, founder of the Motown Museum Esther Gordy, Rev. JoAnn Watson, Judge Greg Mathis, Rabbi Daniel Syme, R&B singer Kem, and others
