Reclaiming the Power of Selma

“So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind—it is made up for me.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 16th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. takes place Monday, January 19, 2026, at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church (123 Kenilworth Rd. in Asheville).

A community potluck will be held from 5-6 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. Both events will take place in the church sanctuary.

This year’s theme is “Give Us the Ballot!” featuring a screening of the groundbreaking film Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay. Selma tells the gripping true story of a pivotal moment in Dr. King’s civil rights struggle, chronicling the historic 1965 protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama—a triumphant demonstration of the power of the people to demand change.

The evening will also include a voter registration drive, activities, and more. In these uncertain times, let us not feel defeated, but instead follow in the footsteps of Dr. King and continue the fight for equal access to the ballot.

The program will be hosted by Marvin Chambers, a founding member of ASCORE (Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality), and an icon of the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina.

DJ Profe$$ah G will be spinning great tunes throughout the evening. Come out for food, fellowship, inspiration from the past, and a renewed commitment to a more equitable future.

For more information contact Katie Adams at [email protected] or (828) 273-3747, or visit www.kenilworthpresbyterianchurch.com.