Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
– Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lake Michigan College launches its annual Martin Luther King Week today. The celebration of the civil rights leader and his principles runs January 15 through January 20.
LMC Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cam Herth tells us it begins with the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Community Breakfast Monday morning. That’s where they’ll give out the annual Spirit of MLK Awards.
“They focus on or identify individuals or organizations within our surrounding community who have done quite a bit of work in the spirit of MLK and what his life signified and represented,” Herth said.
Last year’s award winners were Ashley A. Hines, Nicholas Gunn, and the African American History and Literature Gallery. Speaking of which, gallery founders Sharon and Mack Brown will be the keynote speakers at the breakfast this year.
The breakfast begins a week of community events focused on the spirit of MLK. Herth says they’ll include an MLK Vocal Showcase at Andrews University on Sunday, January 20.
“We will continue our musical celebration. Last year, we hosted it at LMC, and this year, we’ve moved that celebration to Andrews University on Saturday at 5 p.m. We’ll have a variety of musical entertainments, choirs, and individuals sharing the spirit of MLK through the arts.”
Other events throughout the week include crafts at locations throughout the community, a panel discussion on civil rights, and an address by Laila Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali.
All events are open to everyone, except when noted on the schedule.
You can find the full schedule right here.