In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as such.
The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
On a local level, sites all over United Way of South Central Michigan’s region are hosting opportunities for volunteers to embrace the day as one of service. Additional celebrations, educational opportunities and virtual gatherings are planned in honor of Dr. King. We encourage you to get involved – volunteer your time, watch a webinar, attend a celebration, or just spend some time reflecting.
Here are just a few of the opportunities you’ll find within our region.
Kalamazoo
January 12, 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m. at WMU Homer Stryker School of Medicine (1000 Oakland Dr.): Join at the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor Jeff Patton, CEO of Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK). ISK is a local organization that continues the dream of MLK by building on the strengths and dreams of community members through the sharing of effective resources that support youth, families, and adults with mental illnesses, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. For more visit https://allevents.in/kalamazoo/wmed-mlk-day-celebration-2024/200025952975230
The event will be held in person and is free and open to the public. Lunch and parking will be provided.
January 14, 4:00p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (120 Roberson St.): Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 38th Annual Community Celebration https://allevents.in/kalamazoo/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-38th-annual-community-celebration/200025965763045
January 15 (all day long)- Gryphon Place Volunteer Opportunities: https://go.gryphon.org/aem/general/event/?doc_id=6488&fbclid=IwAR0t-wM8YDZ8oyj7K1Qh-5zcDm85tcJnAA5sYy2V4xsajWrIfFUxvLoejhg
January 15, 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. at WMU Student Center (1070 Arcadia Loop): Western Michigan University Annual Teach In: “Chaos or Community?” is this year’s theme for Western’s MLK Day Teach-in, part of an annual celebration in honor of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free and open to the public, the event features four sessions: Connecting Passion and Purpose, The Unseen KING, Student Panel Perspectives, What side are you on? https://wmich.edu/events/72623
January 15, 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. at Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo (2350 Ring Rd N): Free Martin Luther King Jr. Day Dinner: MENU: Fried Catfish or Chicken, Veggie Entrée, Macaroni & Cheese, Collard Greens, Blackeye Peas, Yams, Cornbread, Dessert, and Bottled Water. Open to the public. There are no income, identification, or religious requirements to participate. All are welcome.
January 21, 3:00p.m. at Miller Auditorium (WMU, 2200 Auditorium Drive): Symphony of Brotherhood: Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through the pieces on this program, the Kalamazoo Symphony and community partners reflect together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Featuring a side-by-side performance with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra and the combined choruses of Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix High Schools, this event embodies music as a unifying force in our community. https://www.kalamazooarts.org/event/symphony-of-brotherhood-celebrating-the-legacy-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/
Battle Creek
January 14, 3:00p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek (111 Capital Ave NE)
First Presbyterian Church is hosting an ecumenical service in our sanctuary in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Sunday, January 14 at 3:00 pm. Pastor Lorenzo Small will be the featured speaker. https://www.firstpresbc.org/event/martin-luther-king-jr-day-ecumenical-service/
January 15- Gryphon Place Volunteer Opportunities: https://go.gryphon.org/aem/general/event/?doc_id=6488&fbclid=IwAR0t-wM8YDZ8oyj7K1Qh-5zcDm85tcJnAA5sYy2V4xsajWrIfFUxvLoejhg
January 15, 4:00p.m.-10:00p.m. at Kellogg Arena (One McCamly Square)
The Kellogg Arena will be hosting an MLK Equal Opportunity Dinner to celebrate the legacy of Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Come by and celebrate his legacy at the Kellogg Arena on January 15th. https://www.battlecreekvisitors.org/event/mlk-equal-opportunity-dinner-celebration/44/
Jackson
January 12, 7:30a.m.-9:00a.m. at American 1 Credit Union Event Center (128 W Ganson St)
MLK Diversity Breakfast: Mission- To promote community collaboration to reflect Dr. King’s dream and to motivate youth for service and excellence. https://www.jacksonchamber.org/mlk/
January 15, 11:00a.m. at Jackson College (2111 Emmons Rd)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon Celebration https://www.jccmi.edu/mlk/
January 15, 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Center (1107 Adrian Street)
Dungytreei Heritage Foundation Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration https://www.experiencejackson.com/event/dungyrtreei-heritage-foundation-mlk-celebration
January 15, 10:00a.m. at Lily Missionary Baptist Church (1117 WG Wade Dr.)
Jackson County Branch NAACP’s 2024 MLK Day of Remembrance: “I am not done dreaming” Event. Pastor Michael Young keynote speaker. Free to general public.
Lansing
January 15, 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. at Lansing Center (333 E Michigan Ave)
2024 MLK Day of Celebration: The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan will welcome Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges as its special guest at the 2024 MLK Day of Celebration Event on Monday, Jan. 15, at the Lansing Center, located at 333 E Michigan Avenue.
Bridges, a prominent civil rights advocate, author and speaker, gained widespread recognition for her feat as a fearless six-year-old when U.S. Marshals escorted her on Nov. 14, 1960, amid angry protesters and a mob, as she walked into the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her bravery played a pivotal role in the desegregation of public education.
Bridges will offer perspectives on civil rights and race-related issues, emphasizing the significance of history as both a cornerstone and a source of truth.
Tickets to the event can be https://mlkmidmichigan.com/
If there are any events we missed please email our marketing department at m.wilfer@uwscmi.org.