Northwest Georgia will have a major national voice on campus this Martin Luther King Jr. Day as four-time GRAMMY-winning Christian hip-hop artist, author, and actor Lecrae headlines Berry College’s MLK Day celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Krannert Ballroom.

The event is part of Berry’s Conson Wilson Lecture Series and is open to the public, welcoming community members from across Rome, Chattooga County, and the rest of Northwest Georgia to gather for a morning focused on Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing work of creating a culture where everyone belongs.

Who is Lecrae and why he’s a big get for MLK Day

Lecrae (Lecrae Devaughn Moore) is widely recognized as a trailblazer who helped bring Christian hip-hop into broader cultural conversations through music that blends faith, personal testimony, and social reflection. He’s also co-founder of Reach Records, a label and platform that helped launch and elevate a wave of Christian hip-hop artists and projects.

On the awards side, Lecrae has earned four GRAMMY wins, including a landmark win for “Gravity,” which helped break barriers for hip-hop artists in traditionally gospel-focused award categories. Over the years, he’s been known for using his platform to talk about faith, community, identity, and perseverance—topics that often connect strongly with MLK Day themes of justice, dignity, and unity.

Beyond music, Lecrae is also an author whose memoir “Unashamed” became a widely read bestseller. His story—covering personal growth, setbacks, and finding purpose—has made him a sought-after speaker for universities, conferences, and civic events.

What to expect Monday morning

Berry’s MLK Day celebration is designed as a joint campus-community gathering—part reflection, part encouragement to keep building stronger relationships across differences. Attendees can expect a keynote that draws from Lecrae’s experiences as an artist and public figure, along with the larger message of Dr. King’s legacy: service, courage, and creating spaces where every person is valued.

Organizers say all are welcome to attend and to help “continue to cultivate a culture of belonging,” reinforcing the idea of MLK Day as both a remembrance and a renewed commitment to action in everyday life.