FedEx celebrates MLK Day with record attendance at civil rights museums

 

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day marked a historic milestone—the 40th anniversary of the federal MLK holiday, first observed in 1986. FedEx proudly celebrated this occasion by sponsoring free admission at five civil rights museums. This program helped make Dr. King's legacy accessible to thousands of visitors who chose to spend their day learning, reflecting, and engaging with their community. 

 

 

From Atlanta to Memphis, Jackson to Birmingham, FedEx Free Days attracted record-breaking crowds and provided meaningful opportunities for families, volunteers, and communities to connect with civil rights history. This marks seven consecutive years of our sponsorship at the Two Mississippi Museums and approximately two decades of partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

MLK Day 2026 Highlights:

  • National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis): Welcomed 5,063 visitors, with 68 FedEx team members among 567 total volunteers contributing 2,069 volunteer hours. FedEx Managing Director Global Security Technology Jason Campbell provided opening remarks.
  • Two Mississippi Museums (Jackson): Recorded 3,176 visitors—a 35% increase over the previous year. The extended weekend celebration featured the MLK Night of Culture and National Day of Racial Healing programs, generating 124,957 social media impressions and 4,602 engagements.
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta): Recorded 1,700 visitors—the highest attendance since reopening. Online registrations sold out within two days and visitors enjoyed interactive, family-friendly exhibit and programming.
  • The King Center (Atlanta): Supported the Beloved Community Awards, which for the first time was televised nationally on BET. Over 2,500 attended the awards ceremony, including FedEx Managing Director District Operations Lenny Vaughn and four frontline team members.
  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Welcomed 1,500 visitors with 160 community volunteers supporting the day's programming.

The FedEx commitment to honoring Dr. King's legacy extends beyond opening doors—it's about creating meaningful access to the stories and lessons that continue to shape our nation. This work reinforces our company’s dedication to inclusion and learning.

We are proud and grateful to every FedEx team member who participated as a volunteer, speaker, and community connector, demonstrating that Dr. King's vision of service and justice remains as vital today as ever.