LPS students embrace moving messages at MLK Youth Rally, Belmont visit

January 21, 2026

Lincoln Public Schools students embraced the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week by encouraging everyone with their presence in the community.
 
Students, families and others from in and out of the area gathered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Union for the 31st annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally. They participated in a choir, read poems, delivered speeches and showcased how their voices make a difference.

 
Belmont Elementary School fifth grader ZyOnnah said she enjoyed taking part in the rally, which was completely led by community youth. She said it gave her firsthand knowledge of why treating others with respect and love is so important.
 
“I’ve learned that there’s more to people’s lives than what they look like, because you never want to judge a book by its cover,” ZyOnnah said. “You can see somebody this way, but until you know who they are and how they feel, you never really know. You need to spread kindness all of the time and try not to spread negative vibes. You want to try to spread good vibes.”
 
The large audience listened to a special guest message from Jamersyn Hughes, who focused on this year’s theme of “The Audacity to Walk Together in Love.” Hughes, a senior at Statesboro (Ga.) High School, serves as junior mayor of the city and was on the MLK Youth Rally Planning Committee. He said it was inspiring to feel the excitement and energy from everyone in the room.
 
“I’ve never seen that many youth under one building who are all coming for the same mission, same goals and same purpose,” Hughes said. “It was awesome to see that.”

 
LaSara Mitchell said she was equally moved by the welcoming moments at the rally. Mitchell is program coordinator for the Statesboro Village Builders, which provides community resources throughout the town. The organization sponsors the Statesboro Youth Council, which offers leadership opportunities to students like Hughes.
 
“I don’t think it does it justice until you sit in that room and hear the heart of those students,” Mitchell said. “I was fighting tears. It was just phenomenal to hear their hearts and realize that our youth are not as distracted as we think. They’re not all with their heads down in their phones. They’re paying attention. They are concerned with the challenges that our communities are facing, and they’re also very proud of who they are and how they develop and where they come from.”
 
Mitchell learned about the rally a year ago after meeting Peter Ferguson, who serves as LPS multicultural coordinator and scholar development/assistant supervisor of recruiting. Ferguson has also been the lead adult advisor for the MLK Youth Rally for the past 29 years.
 
Mitchell told him about Hughes’ ability to connect with other people as junior mayor, and Ferguson was intrigued by the possibility of adding him to this year’s lineup. Hughes and Mitchell both jumped at the chance when Ferguson extended an invitation to come to Nebraska.
 
Belmont fifth graders like ZyOnnah had a special chance to listen to Hughes at their school the day after the rally. He spoke to them about the importance of audacity, shared details about his junior mayor role and encouraged them with a pair of songs. He said it was meaningful to serve as a visiting mentor to the Cougars.
 
“As we continue to grow and are equipped with tools as we go through life, we need to give back to the youth who are behind us, the next generation, so that the legacy can continue to go on,” Hughes said. “They’ll learn their purpose and use their voice too.”

 
Fifth graders Zaynab, Nazeer and Asher took those words to heart after Hughes’ presentation in the school library. They guided him on a detailed 45-minute tour of the building that gave everyone a chance to strike up a friendship. The quartet visited with food service professionals in the kitchen, watched a group activity in Morgan Dennhardt’s music class and looked at student pictures and artwork displayed in the hallways.
 
Hughes praised Zaynab, Nazeer and Asher several times for their knowledge of Belmont’s building. He said their ability to engage the community on a personal level was just as important as large-group events like the rally.
 
“This is awesome,” Hughes said. “You have an amazing school here.”

 
ZyOnnah said the rally and school visit provided powerful lessons about ways she can help her Belmont classmates every day.
 
“I want to lift others up,” ZyOnnah said. “When I see somebody and if they’re not in a good mood, I’ll ask them if they’re okay and if they need space. I want to listen to them and be a good friend to them.”
 
Mitchell said hearing those ways of walking in love were why she and Hughes would return to Georgia with warm memories of Lincoln.
 
“It’s such an amazing thing that’s happening in Lincoln,” Mitchell said. “We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit here.”
 
To see highlights from the 2026 MLK Youth Rally, you can view our slideshow or watch the LNKTV recording of the livestream below.

2026 MLK Youth Rally Recording

 
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