Calendar of Events

A variety of exciting and educational opportunities will be offered to the MSU Community in celebration of the legacy of Dr. King and historical events that took place in our nation and on our campus. This year marks the:

  • 40th anniversary of the celebration of Dr. King at MSU
  • 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, giving women citizens of the U.S. the legal right to vote
  • 150th anniversary of the first women students at MSU 

The famous poem by Maya Angelou, "Still I Rise" is the celebratory theme this year, used to highlight the accomplishments of and equal rights given to women in America.

Additions to the Calendar of Events listed below will be updated as details are confirmed. All events are free, however, some may require registration/reservations in advance unless indicated otherwise.

We hope you will join us for the 40th anniversary celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at MSU.

Friday, January 17, 2020

  • Join us for the 3rd annual University-wide Diversity Research Showcase from 1:30-4:30pm in the Multicultural Unity Center at the MSU Union.  Presented by the MSU Honors College.  The poster presentation will take place from 1:30-2:30pm, oral presentations from 2:30-4pm, and an awards reception from 4-4:30pm.  Click here to learn more.

Saturday, January 18, 2020  

  • 5:30 p.m & 8:00 p.m. - MLK Commemorative Celebration Films - shown at the Campus Center Cinema - room 117, 119 Wells Hall (across from Starbucks); movies to be shown simultaneously. Sponsored by RHA & WACSS. Tickets are free & open to faculty, staff, and students (MSU id must be shown in order to be admitted). Free popcorn available, vending machine containing beverages is in close proximity. Group discussion & dialogue to be scheduled (be sure to sign in upon arrival) or email wacss@msu.edu to participate:  Movies can also be streamed by off-campus MSU constituents by accessing them here. Group discussion & dialogue to occur on Feb 5 and Feb 12 (be sure to sign in upon arrival) or email wacss@msu.edu to participate.
    • “On the Basis of Sex” (2h) The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that led to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.
    • “Hidden Figures”(2h, 7 min) Three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

  • 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concerts hosted and performed by the Professors of Jazz and Jazz ensemble at the College of Music Fairchild Theatre, (Free, but tickets required - can be obtained in Room 102, Music Building, or by calling (517) 353-5340)
  • 5:30 p.m & 8:00 p.m. - MLK Commemorative Celebration Films - shown at the Campus Center Cinema - room 117, 119 Wells Hall (across from Starbucks); movies to be shown simultaneously. Sponsored by RHA & WACSS. Tickets are free & open to faculty, staff, and students (MSU id must be shown in order to be admitted). Free popcorn available, vending machine containing beverages is in close proximity. Group discussion & dialogue to be scheduled (be sure to sign in upon arrival) or email wacss@msu.edu to participate:  Movies can also be streamed by off-campus MSU constituents by accessing them here. Group discussion & dialogue to occur on Feb 5 and Feb 12 (be sure to sign in upon arrival) or email wacss@msu.edu to participate.
    • “On the Basis of Sex” (2h) The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that led to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.
    • “Hidden Figures”(2h, 7 min) Three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.

Monday, January 20, 2020

  • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Immerse yourself in the digital scholarship lab 360 room located in the MSU Library on the 2nd floor in the west wing. All are invited to engage with audiovisual material related to the legacy of the civil rights movement and the struggle for justice entitled “Turn the light of truth upon them.” Open Mon. 2/20 9-5pm; Tue. 1/21 12-4pm; Wed. 1/22 12-4pm; Thu. 1/23 9-11:30; and Fri. 1/24 12-4pm.

  • 9:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. - Student Leadership Conference (Union Bldg) - The purpose of the Student Leadership Conference is to develop the leadership potential of current students, to provide a platform to elevate student voices, to demonstrate the value of dialogue across difference, & to facilitate the building of inclusive communities.  The purpose of the conference is to help develop leadership skills, expand their network, collaborate, and inspire one another. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to watch student presentations.  Register here.

  •  8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. – Voter Registration Resource Fair (Union Bldg, 1st floor main lounge) – Register to vote and learn more about the 19th amendment (sponsored by APA, MEA, WACSS, League of Women Voters, and MSU Votes)
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Health and Wellness Service Project (Work Life Office/Service Learning) – Room 113 Linton Hall - Faculty, staff and postdocs are invited to volunteer together to write cards, decorate placemats, create a craft, provide inspirational quotes, and donate in an effort to provide health and wellness packages for Haven House, Child and Family Charities, MSU Safe Place, MSU Center for Survivors, and the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing.  One can volunteer on Jan. 20, 21, and 22 from 11-1:30pm.  In addition, donations for personal items are being accepted throughout campus from January 6 through January 30, 2020 as noted here.
  • 11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m  -MLK Commemorative Celebration Films - shown at the Campus Center Cinema - room 117, 119 Wells Hall (across from Starbucks); movies to be shown simultaneously. Sponsored by RHA & WACSS. Tickets are free & open to faculty, staff, and students (MSU id must be shown in order to be admitted). Free popcorn available, vending machine containing beverages is in close proximity. Group discussion & dialogue to be scheduled (be sure to sign in upon arrival) or email wacss@msu.edu to participate:  Movies can also be streamed by off-campus MSU constituents by accessing them here. Group discussion & dialogue to occur on Feb 5 and Feb 12 (be sure to sign in upon arrival) or email wacss@msu.edu to participate.
    • “On the Basis of Sex” (2h) The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that led to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.
    • “Hidden Figures”(2h, 7 min) Three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.
  •  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Community Networking walk at IM East (sponsored by WACSS & WNA), Join and be paired up with others to receive ice breaker questions and view historical signs of momentous occasions around the track. Your ID card is required to enter IM East! View this document to learn more women who made a difference here.
  • 3:00 p.m. - Commemorative March, Starting location: Union Building, first floor (main lounge); Destination: Beaumont Tower.  Join students, staff, faculty and community members in a symbolic march for social justice, equity, civil and human rights.  All are welcome.
  •  5:00 p.m. – Community scholarship dinner – Hubbard Hall dining room; doors open at 4:45 p.m.  This dinner was intended primarily for faculty & staff who work on MLK day and the community dinner is free and faculty, staff, students, and off-campus communities are welcome to attend.  A short program is planned with Brenda Nelson, Culinary Services Manager, as the keynote speaker.  Many others will be in attendance including President Stanley, Director Paulette Granberry Russell, Vice Presidents, Deans, Board members, and more. Sponsored by RHS, Office for Inclusion & Intercultural Initiatives, and the CTU. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

  •  8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. - Coffee & Conversation – The Coffee & Conversation event will honor and acknowledge the contributions of historically underrepresented professionals at MSU.  Guest speakers (currently Deborah Johnson, Paulette Granberry Russell, Naoko Wake, Denise Maybank, Emily Sorroche, Kelly High McCord, Danielle Flores Lopez, Artemis Spyrou, and Amy Martin) will share their experiences & contributions at MSU.  Faculty and staff are invited to  join us for coffee & conversation from 8:30-10:30am.  Hosted by the MSU IDEA Coordinators’ Committee and the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives in room 337 (Lake Huron Room) of the MSU Union. Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast provided. Please RSVP here. 

  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Health and Wellness Service Project (Work Life Office/Service Learning) – Room 113 Linton Hall - Faculty, staff and postdocs are invited to volunteer together to write cards, decorate placemats, create a craft, provide inspirational quotes, and donate in an effort to provide health and wellness packages for Haven House, Child and Family Charities, MSU Safe Place, MSU Center for Survivors, and the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing.  One can volunteer on Jan. 20, 21, and 22 from 11-1:30pm.  In addition, donations for personal items are being accepted throughout campus from January 6 through January 30, 2020 as noted here.

  • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Immerse yourself in the digital scholarship lab 360 room located in the MSU Library on the 2nd floor in the west wing. All are invited to engage with audiovisual material related to the legacy of the civil rights movement and the struggle for justice entitled “Turn the light of truth upon them.” Open Mon. 2/20 9-5pm; Tue. 1/21 12-4pm; Wed. 1/22 12-4pm; Thu. 1/23 9-11:30; and Fri. 1/24 12-4pm.
  • 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - The Diversity Career Fair is Michigan State University's premiere diversity career event hosting employers of all industries. Open to all students, this fair is strategically focused to attract racial, ethnic minorities and other minoritized student populations of all majors who are interested in full-time, part time, internship, and co-op opportunities. Register here.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Health and Wellness Service Project (Work Life Office/Service Learning) – Room 113 Linton Hall - Faculty, staff and postdocs are invited to volunteer together to write cards, decorate placemats, create a craft, provide inspirational quotes, and donate in an effort to provide health and wellness packages for Haven House, Child and Family Charities, MSU Safe Place, MSU Center for Survivors, and the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing.  One can volunteer on Jan. 20, 21, and 22 from 11-1:30pm.  In addition, donations for personal items are being accepted throughout campus from January 6 through January 30, 2020 as noted here.
  • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Immerse yourself in the digital scholarship lab 360 room located in the MSU Library on the 2nd floor in the west wing. All are invited to engage with audiovisual material related to the legacy of the civil rights movement and the struggle for justice entitled “Turn the light of truth upon them.” Open Mon. 2/20 9-5pm; Tue. 1/21 12-4pm; Wed. 1/22 12-4pm; Thu. 1/23 9-11:30; and Fri. 1/24 12-4pm.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

  • 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Immerse yourself in the digital scholarship lab 360 room located in the MSU Library on the 2nd floor in the west wing. All are invited to engage with audiovisual material related to the legacy of the civil rights movement and the struggle for justice entitled “Turn the light of truth upon them.” Open Mon. 2/20 9-5pm; Tue. 1/21 12-4pm; Wed. 1/22 12-4pm; Thu. 1/23 9-11:30; and Fri. 1/24 12-4pm.

Friday, January 24, 2020

  • 12-7:00 p.m. – Social Justice Art Festival – Guests can check in on the 1st floor of Snyder Hall or Phillips Hall – This one day festival engages students, faculty, staff and the greater East Lansing community around social justice topics through artistic expression. 
    • Visual and Performance Art will begin at 1:00 PM
    • Special Guest Performance by local Lansing artist, James Gardin
    • DJ provided by AOTA Creative
    • Join the Facebook event here.  Register to attend the festival through Eventbrite here and note that registration is not required to attend.
  • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Immerse yourself in the digital scholarship lab 360 room located in the MSU Library on the 2nd floor in the west wing. All are invited to engage with audiovisual material related to the legacy of the civil rights movement and the struggle for justice entitled “Turn the light of truth upon them.” Open Mon. 2/20 9-5pm; Tue. 1/21 12-4pm; Wed. 1/22 12-4pm; Thu. 1/23 9-11:30; and Fri. 1/24 12-4pm.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

  • Ring of Silence Film Screening - On January 28th, the Development and Alumni Relations Office at the College of Nursing will be hosting a film screening of “Ring of Silence" at the Kellogg Center Auditorium. This powerful film depicts the true story of human sex trafficking in modern-day society. The film’s director and writer, Nicole Bowers-Wallace, will give an in-depth introduction to the film followed by Q & A session. A guided discussion will also take place that teaches clinical application of identifying victims. To learn more about the event click HERE.

Other activities and ways to get involved:

  • Visit the MSU Museum Exhibits:
  • Visiting the Museum is free to the public and donations are welcome.  They are open M/W/R/F (9-5pm); Tu (9-8pm); Sat (10-5)

  • Visit public art on campus – There are many public art pieces throughout campus and several have been selected as it relates to this year’s theme – click here to find the list of art pieces, artists, and locations!  Additional collections of art installations (through the Public Art on Campus Committee (PAOCC)) can also be found online here.

  •  Participate in Elevate U courses related to the theme

  • Donate to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Endowed Scholarship here.  Scholarship applications are due February 28, 2020.
  • Register to vote! This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, giving women citizens of the U.S. the legal right to vote!

 MLK questions can be directed to: Audrey Bentley, bentley@pres.msu.edu or 517-353-4563.

We wish to thank the MLK Planning Committee for their time, insight & support in creating a memorable commemorative week!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration