YPSILANTI – In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality, Eastern Michigan University is hosting a week-long celebration in honor of the civil rights leader. The celebration kicks off on Monday, Jan. 15, with an iteration of MLK’s Walk to Freedom at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Mosaic Reveal at 10:30 a.m. honoring the 1963 historic walk in Detroit. The President’s Luncheon rounds out the day at noon, featuring keynote speaker Judge Victoria Pratt and moderated by FOX 2’s Roop Raj.
All of the events during the week-long celebration will revolve around the theme “Driven by the Dream.” These events will include a Walk To Freedom panel discussion moderated by Detroit journalist Ken Coleman and featuring social justice activist Edith Lee-Payne, an inaugural “Night of Dreams” concert, community service activities, and more. The celebration concludes with an MLK Jr. movie night and discussion at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19 in the Student Center Auditorium.
“As we gather to commemorate the profound legacy of King, his commitment to justice and equality remains a guiding light,” said Doris Fields, MLK co-chair and interim associate provost and associate vice president of academic programs and initiatives at EMU. “The 38th Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is not merely an event, but reaffirms our shared responsibility to continue the work of creating a more just and inclusive society.”
“In Judge Victoria Pratt, we find a beacon of inspiration whose dedication to reforming the criminal justice system aligns seamlessly with the values we hold dear at Eastern,” said Fields. “Her keynote address promises to ignite important conversations and propel us toward meaningful change.”
All participants are encouraged to share their photos from the events on social media using #EMUMLK24. Eastern’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration week is co-chaired by Dwight Hamilton, chief diversity officer, Doris Fields, associate provost and associate vice president of Academic Programs and Initiatives, Melissa Thrasher, executive director of Media Relations and Social Media, Kevin Williams, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programming and Tray McGuire, assistant director of Strategic Initiatives & Engagement. Visit the webpage for more information about the luncheon and other events.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.
