Join us for a reflective celebration featuring music, readings and keynote speaker Minister Tonnette Williams.
Sponsored by Mt. Zion Baptist Church
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The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration theme replicates the title of Dr. King’s fourth and final book, which was published prior to his assassination.
Under the backdrop of monumental change in America after new laws such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed the next phase of the movement would bring its challenges. “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” inspires thought and hope for advancing the movement, from continued interracial coalitions to faith, economic justice, nonviolent action and the ballot.
As Baldwin Wallace is centered on its own challenges of what the next steps of social action will be and our nation navigates the aftermath of a contentious election cycle and global unrest, the tenets of Dr. King’s work ring more now than ever before.
In what ways will we rise to the challenge of finding new ways to build even when we don’t feel like building? How do we advance community and justice when the structures that support community have been dismantled? Join the committee as we challenge you to consider your role in answering, “Where do we go from here?”
Throughout the week, at various programs, we will take time to reflect on the significance of the people and milestones that inspire the struggle for justice in our age. We will celebrate legacies connected to our campus and region. This year, the world lost a giant of the Civil Rights Movement when BW graduate Rev. James Lawson ’51 passed away on June 9.
Our MLK celebrations also mark the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in the State of Ohio, eight years prior to it becoming a federal holiday.
The 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is sponsored by Baldwin Wallace University in conjunction with the Berea community and the Campus/Community MLK Week Committee 2025.
Join the Alamo Colleges District’s Arts, Culture and Community Impact team for our 4th Annual National Day of Collective Healing, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, actor and songwriter Leslie Odom, Jr.!
This special event will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carver Community Cultural Center, celebrating the solidarity and vibrancy of our city.
This year’s theme, “The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity,” highlights the rich diversity of our communities through musical performances, spoken word and engaging discussions that underscore our shared connections and collective humanity. While tickets are free, they are limited to the first 500 attendees. The first 100 ticketed attendees to arrive at the venue will receive a special gift from the Arts, Culture and Community Impact team to commemorate the event. Secure your ticket by visiting Eventbrite.
Northern Michigan University is planning a week of service activities around the theme, “Empowering Community through Action,” beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The overarching goal will be to assemble and donate winter care kits to the Room at the Inn to support those in need during the cold-weather months, but additional daily programming is scheduled as well.
The full schedule of service activities follows:
Monday, Jan. 20: Radical Togetherness–Crafting Kindness
Participate in breakout volunteer sessions to make blankets, inspirational cards and friendship bracelets, with lunch and inspiring speakers to fuel the creativity, from 1-4 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: Advocacy in Action–Writing for Change
Materials and guidance will be provided for writing letters to state legislators advocating for equitable policies and systemic change from 1-3 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Wednesday, Jan. 22: Nourishing Our Neighbors–Feeding America
Volunteer with Feeding America to help unload and distribute food to the Marquette community between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Berry Events Center. The sign-up link is www.yoopersunited.com/need/detail/?need_id=1009357 .
Thursday, Jan. 23: Pathways to Belonging–Diversity Resource Fair
Students are invited to discover opportunities for getting involved and making a lasting impact on campus and beyond by connecting with organizations that champion diversity, equity and inclusion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Friday, Jan. 24: Compassion in Action–Kit Assembly and Delivery
Celebrate the collective efforts of the NMU community in serving others and carrying King’s legacy forward by assembling winter care kits and delivering them to the Room at the Inn from 1-4 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
The six items requested for each winter care kit include one compact, foldable rain poncho; one package of hand and foot warmers; wrapped snacks that are easy to chew; one compact blanket; one pair of adult-size socks, with an additional warm hat or pair of gloves appreciated; and hygiene items such as bandages, deodorant, shaving razors, lotion, wet wipes, cotton swabs and antibiotic ointment. Donation bins are located at the Marquette Food Co-op, NMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion/Student Equity and Engagement Center, and the NMU Center for Student Enrichment.
NMU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion has also launched an MLK crewneck and T-shirt fundraiser in support of upcoming Juneteenth events.
In partnership with the Michigan Transformation Collective and the National Day of Racial Healing, join a drop-in tour at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts on Sunday, January 19 from 1:30-2:30pm to explore and discuss art and artists who have used art for healing, to highlight resilience, promote community building, call attention to marginalization, showcase their voices, and more. Guests who join this interactive tour will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives as we work toward a brighter, more equitable future in Kalamazoo.
Upon your arrival at the KIA, please let the Information Desk staff know that you are attending the drop-in tour and your admission fee will be waived on this day.
Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
This is the next installment of our Becoming Beloved Community series where we will have a conversation about the ways we can address the harm that racism has done in Amherst and how we can heal from it as a community. We will be located in the Amherst Regional Middle School cafeteria, food and beverages will be provided.
This 5-mile hike is about honoring both extraordinary and everyday individuals who have marched together to change the world and strive for equity. Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and other freedom fighters, we’ll reflect on our common values, share stories of those who inspire us to work toward a more just and equitable world and explore ways to heal collectively from the impacts of racism.
Tour the BMAY2Y Beloved Community Art Installation and experience original art work that reflects diverse views of the journey to manifesting a Beloved Community thru the eyes of participants in our Beloved Community Academy. Participants will then be able to create their own unique recipes, with ingredients, to create a more diverse “Beloved Community” through their individual contribution. The evening will culminate with guests participating in a “Diversity Discuss, Dessert and Coffee” healing circle. All journey begin and continue towards the Beloved Community and the Train to Racial Healing! All Aboard!!!
Join us as community members tour our Beloved Community Art Installation, with art pieces that have been developed by individuals who participated in our Beloved Community Academy. Guests to the installation can then participate in creating their own customized recipes to create a Beloved Community. Participants will then be able to participate in a “Recipe Exchange” and discuss the ingredients they selected during a “Diversity Discuss, Dessert and Coffee” circle of healing. All expediences begin and continue on the Train to Racial Healing … destination “Beloved Community!” …
All Aboard!