MLK Celebration Week returns with community-wide effort

Lake Michigan College honors and celebrates the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who continue to tread in his footsteps with a week-long community celebration.

The MLK Celebration Week 2024 takes place Jan. 15-20 on Lake Michigan College's Benton Harbor Campus and at various locations throughout the community. This year's theme, "Power of One Voice," draws inspiration from Dr. King's belief in the significance of an individual's voice when speaking out against injustice. The event is presented by Lake Michigan College and sponsors Whirlpool Corp., Corewell Health South, Kinexus Group, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Andrews University, and Pizza Hut.

"When facing major obstacles such as systemic racism, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and say, 'Well, what can I do?'" LMC Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cam Herth said, "The goal of this celebration week is to help answer that question. Sometimes, it takes one individual, one voice, to spark the change we want to see in the world. That fundamental belief led Dr. King to speak up, speak out, and inspire. We hope this celebration serves as a reminder of Dr. King's example while providing tangible opportunities to make an impact right here in our community."

MLK Celebration Week 2024 begins with the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Community Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – in Grand Upton Hall of LMC's Mendel Center. The popular free community event features a keynote address by Sharon and Emanuel "Mack" Brown, founders of the African American History & Literature Gallery in Benton Harbor, remarks from other community leaders, inspirational musical performances, and the announcement of the Spirit of MLK Spotlight recipients, shining a light on an individual, organization, and student who embody MLK's spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood and love in our community through their direct action.

"The Spirit of MLK Spotlights recognize a small fraction of the incredible work being done right here in our communities," Herth said. "Immediately after the breakfast, we will have an MLK Community Expo to showcase more of that work. This provides both an educational opportunity and a chance to get involved in our community."

The MLK Community Expo highlights area resources, underrepresented businesses, and service opportunities. Organizations scheduled to attend include Corewell Health South, Unified Civic Monuments Project, OutCenter of Southwest Michigan, CARES Southwest Michigan, Caring Connection, Berrien County Health Department, Humbly Changing, Total Wellness By Choice, WeECHO Youth Community Services, C Sherrod Designs, Sharing the Dream, and more.

Laila Ali, boxing world-champion, International Boxing Hall of Famer, LailaAliLifestyle.com CEO, and author, will speak at the LMC Mendel Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, as part of the LMC Speaker Series and MLK Celebration Week 2024. During an "Evening with Laila Ali," she will discuss a wide range of topics, including her trailblazing career in sports, her journey as an entrepreneur, and the influence of her famous father on her life. Before Ali speaks, a separate dinner will be held in Grand Upton Hall. Tickets for Laila Ali start at $50. Dinner tickets are $45. Both may be purchased at www.TheMendelCenter.com/events and through the Mendel Center box office.

The MLK Celebration Week 2024 also includes the return of the MLK Vocal Showcase, panel discussions, community service projects, children's activities, and more. Here is the full schedule:

All Week

• 5-Day Racial Equity Challenge. Register here through Jan 12th.
• MLK Craft (available to pick up all week while supplies last), Eau Claire District Library
• MLK Craft (available to pick up all week while supplies last), Coloma Public Library
• MLK Craft (available to pick up all week while supplies last), Cass District Library, Howard Branch

Monday, Jan. 15

• Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Community Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, Grand Upton Hall
• MLK Community Expo, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
• Panel Discussion, "National State of Civil Rights," 7-8:30 p.m. Room F104, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

Tuesday, Jan. 16

• MLK Storytime and Craft, 10:30 a.m., Lincoln Township Public Library
• Panel Discussion, "Social Inequalities in Health," 7-8:30 p.m. Room F104, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

Wednesday, Jan. 17

• MLK Storytime and Craft, 10:30 a.m., Niles District Library
• MLK Storytime and Craft, 11 a.m., Benton Harbor Public Library
• Panel Discussion, "The Demonization of CRT: Teaching the Truth about Race and Racism," 7-8:30 p.m. Room F104, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

Thursday, Jan 18

• Laila Ali, Part of the Lake Michigan College Speaker Series, 7-8:30 p.m., The Hanson Theater, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. Ticketed event. For tickets, call 269-927-8700, option 1, or visit www.TheMendelCenter.com

Saturday, Jan. 20

• MLK Vocal Showcase, 5 p.m., Howard Center for the Performing Arts, Andrews University, Berrien Springs

In addition to these events, several resources can be found on lakemichigancollege.edu/MLK. These resources include the Underrepresented Businesses Directory, an awareness and equity guide to woman-and-minority-owned businesses in Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass counties; an MLK Resource Gallery for books, podcasts, films, community resources, and more that explore race relations, bias, racism, and current events; and MLK Artistic Reflections, where people can submit their creative reflections about King and his legacy.

Most events are free. To sign up for individual programs or for more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/MLK. 

For answers to additional questions, contact Cam Herth, LMC’s Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 269-927-6284 or cherth@lakemichigancollege.edu.