Calendar of Events
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Where Do We Go from Here – Chaos or Community?
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.
To add your event to the calendar, please submit the form.
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!
Events
The events within this celebration are a mix of in-person, hybrid and virtual. Each event listing below will contain the information needed to participate. View the release for this event.
Please be aware that all in-person events must follow MSU COVID directives:
To slow the spread of COVID-19, Michigan State University is directing everyone to take personal responsibility to protect their own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of MSU faculty, staff, students, visitors and loved ones.
Events happening all week
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Stuff the Library Book Drive
Give Books, Grow Hope: Help Stuff the Library for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Give the gift of hope in honor of a dream this year. Join the Michigan State University community in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by donating books or funds to purchase books with a diverse representation of people and topics to K-12 school libraries. It’s as easy as Shop and Drop or Donate to participate.
Shop the Amazon Wishlist or a bookstore of your choice, then mail the books to the WorkLife Office or drop them off at donation bins in the MSU Library. Or donate to the Crowdpower campaign and we will take care of the shopping for you. This year's books will be sent to Detroit Public School District to be distributed throughout the many libraries.
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Beyond the Black Panther: Visions of Afrofuturism in American Comics
FREE | MSU Museum Virtual Exhibit
Most people are familiar with Marvel's Black Panther, and some are aware of its connections to Afrofuturism, a framework to understand how the black imagination manifests visions of freedom. This virtual exhibition will explore how themes such as aesthetics, Black feminism, and community, common to Afrofuturism, shape contemporary Black comics. Beyond the Black Panther gives us a view of stories inspired by African folklore such as Is’nana the Were-Spider, science fiction adventures centered on a black female hero such as Matty’s Rocket, or vital social commentary about police violence such as I am Alfonso Jones. The MSU Museum encourages visitors to engage with this exciting topic and expand their understanding of the black speculative tradition in comics. The exhibit is available as a virtual exhibit and will be available as an in-person exhibit when the MSU Museum reopens.
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Voter Information: Be informed and be prepared
How to Register to Vote
1. Go to https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/RegisterToVote
2. Check to see if you are already registered.
You can check with your driver’s license number.
3. If you are registered, GREAT! You are all set! If you want to vote absentee (so you can vote early and do not have to go to your polling place on election day), contact your local clerk’s office.
If not, complete the registration online.
4. The information for your clerk’s office can be found at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk
5. Remember - You can visit this site any time to review your voting information.
Friday, January 14, 2022
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5th Annual Diversity Research Showcase
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. | FREE | Online
Diversity Research Showcase will feature oral and poster presentations from MSU undergraduate students presenting their work, or work in progress, on issues of diversity that advance inclusion.
The event is made possible by sponsorship from the Honors College, James Madison College, the College of Natural Science, the College of Social Science, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, the MSU Libraries, and the Undergraduate Research Office.
Meeting ID: 922 6108 0058
Passcode: DRS2022
Sunday, January 16, 2022
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MLK Holiday Ecumenical Service
10 a.m. | VirtualPlease join us for a joint Ecumenical Service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The event will be jointly hosted by numerous student faith-based organizations and will feature a variety of artistic faith-based performances.
Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.Hosted by the MLK student planning committee (as part of the larger MLK planning committee).
For the most updated information visit MSU Student Life
https://studentlife.msu.edu/about/mlk-conference.html -
Interview with Witness #43: Mary Ellen Norwood-Ford
12 p.m. | FREE | ZoomPlease join us in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the Commemorative Celebration week with Mary Ellen Norwood-Ford (witness #43 to the MLK assassination). MSU Administrative Professional Association is facilitating this pre-recorded interview in collaboration with WKAR. Ms. Mary will offer a first-hand account of April 4, 1968, and her experience of this historic moment. Come prepared to interact and engage with others via Zoom chat immediately following; register and share the Zoom invitation for the upcoming MLK event.
Read the biography of Mary Ellen Norwood-Ford
Presented by Administrative Professional Association (APA), with production support by WKAR Public Media.
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Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concert
3 p.m. Doors Open at 2:30 | Fairchild Theatre | must have a ticket (FREE) | Or LivestreamThe public is invited to enjoy a free jazz concert and presentation Sunday, Jan. 16, at 3 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre. The 42nd annual event “Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest” will showcase performances by MSU Jazz Orchestras led by guest conductor Charles Toliver, a celebrated trumpeter, band leader and composer. The concert will also feature guest performances by Damien Sneed, a multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist who has worked with legendary jazz, classical, pop, and R&B musicians.
The concert is part of a week-long series of MSU events themed “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community,” honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. organized by The MSU Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. Please note that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test along with masks are required for admittance to MSU events.Get free tickets, must have a ticket to attend
Monday, January 17, 2022
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MLK Student Leadership Conference
12 noon - 3 p.m. | Virtual
Please join us for the annual MLK Student Leadership Conference. The conference will feature presentations, entertainment, student speakers, and lunch. The annual MLK Commemorative March will be held at the conclusion of the MLK Student Leadership Conference.
Register todayRegistration for the conference is at no cost to MSU students, however, you must register for the conference NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022.
A t-shirt and commemorative cookie will be provided to all registered participants while supplies last. Conference participants can pick up the items at the MSU Broad Art Lab on Saturday, January 15, and Sunday, January 16 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The MSU Broad Art Lab is located at 565 E. Grand River Ave., Ste 1, East Lansing, MI. The conference-themed cookie, courtesy of the MLK Commemorative Committee, REHS, and the MSU Bakery.
Conference jointly hosted by the MLK Student Planning Committee, ASMSU, RHA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., COGS, CORES, COPS, IFC, MGC, NPHC, PC, and UAB.
For the most updated information visit MSU Student Life
https://studentlife.msu.edu/about/mlk-conference.html -
Annual MLK Commemorative March
2:30 p.m. | Virtual - following student conference
The annual MLK Commemorative March will be held at the conclusion of the MLK Student Leadership Conference.
Register today for the conference to get the link to attend the march.Hosted by the MLK student planning committee and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - MSU Chapter. The image includes members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity with President Stanley at a prior event.
For the most updated information visit MSU Student Life
https://studentlife.msu.edu/about/mlk-conference.html -
2022 Virtual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Conversation
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | FREE Event | Virtual
Our MLK, Jr. Community Unity Dinner had been scheduled to be face-to-face this year at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, in alignment with all appropriate COVID safety measures and precautions. However, due to new MSU directives concerning the start of the semester being done in a virtual manner, we have decided not to have dinner and move the program to a virtual platform. We sincerely apologize for having to make these changes as we know that the community dinner has been a meaningful space for interacting and reflecting with each other for many years. We hope we can reconnect in person next year.This new event is titled “2022 Virtual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Conversation” featuring a conversation with Dr. Tamura Lomax (moderated by Assistant Director for Undergraduate Programs, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and President of the MSU Black Faculty, Staff and Administrators Association Stratton Lee) and remarks by President Samuel L. Stanley and Vice-President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Jabbar Bennett. We hope you can join us in this transformational opportunity designed to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Register -
Five Nights Toward Freedom - Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution
7 p.m. (56 min) | FREE | RegisterPower to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution
chosted by Dr. Susan Stein-Roggenbuck, James Madison CollegeJoin the MSU Libraries and WKAR on virtual screenings and conversations featuring films focusing on public health, bringing together leading MSU experts and community members to watch and discuss a range of historic and contemporary films.
Co-sponsors: Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine, James Madison College. Department of African American and African Studies.
Five Nights Toward Freedom is a partnership between WKAR Public Media and MSU Libraries.
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MRULE-ICA Roundtable Discussions
8 - 9 p.m. | FREE | Virtual - RegisterTake the day on, not off! Join us at our weekly roundtable discussions (RTDs) beginning on MLK Day, Monday, January 17th, at four different locations on campus. These RTDs are open to anyone interested in building community across differences, talking about issues that matter, and making new friends.
"We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values."
All are welcome.Held virtually Register
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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Five Nights Toward Freedom - Unnatural Causes: When the Bough Breaks
7 p.m. (30 min) | FREE | RegisterUnnatural Causes: When the Bough Breaks
hosted by Dr. Mieka Smart, DrPH, MHS, Division of Public Health / College of Human MedicineJoin the MSU Libraries and WKAR on virtual screenings and conversations featuring films focusing on public health, bringing together leading MSU experts and community members to watch and discuss a range of historic and contemporary films.
Catalog Link
Co-sponsors: Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine, James Madison College. Department of African American and African Studies.Five Nights Toward Freedom is a partnership between WKAR Public Media and MSU Libraries.
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Five Nights Toward Freedom: Student Groups and Organization Night
7 p.m. | FREE | Register
Please join Registered Student Organizations and other major Governing Groups for "Five Nights Toward Freedom Series" Student Groups and Organization Night during the week-long Freedom film series. Students are welcome to attend the entire series of films during the week, however during this evening special emphasis will be placed on engagement by Registered Student Organizations and other major Governing Groups.This event is hosted by the MLK student planning committee. For the most updated information visit MSU Student Life https://studentlife.msu.edu/about/mlk-conference.html
Five Nights Toward Freedom is a partnership between WKAR Public Media and MSU Libraries.
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MRULE-ICA Roundtable Discussions
8 - 9 p.m. | FREE | Virtual - Register
Take the day on, not off! Join us at our weekly roundtable discussions (RTDs) beginning on MLK Day, Monday, January 17th, at four different locations on campus. These RTDs are open to anyone interested in building community across differences, talking about issues that matter, and making new friends.
"We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values."
All are welcome.Held virtually Register
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"Our Song, Our Story"
7:30 p.m. | Ticket needed | Wharton Center
Created and directed by composer, conductor and multigenre musician Damien Sneed, "Our Song, Our Story" is an evening of music highlighting some of the world’s most well-known arias, art songs and spirituals, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 18. Tickets are on sale now at whartoncenter.com, at the Auto-Owners Insurance Ticket Office, or by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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Five Nights Toward Freedom - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
7 p.m. (90 min) | FREE | RegisterThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
hosted by. Renee Branch Canady, Ph.D., MPA, Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine.Join the MSU Libraries and WKAR on virtual screenings and conversations featuring films focusing on public health, bringing together leading MSU experts and community members to watch and discuss a range of historic and contemporary films.
Co-sponsors: Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine, James Madison College. Department of African American and African Studies.
Five Nights Toward Freedom is a partnership between WKAR Public Media and MSU Libraries.
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MLK Personal Day of Service All Day
All Day | FREE
Students are encouraged to make a personal commitment to engage in a community service activity of their choice on this day. Students are encouraged to volunteer in their community to support the ideals of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's commitment to service to your community.
Registration is not needed, but students are encouraged to log their hours in MSU Civic Life App portal.
Hosted by the MLK student planning committee (as part of the larger MLK planning committee). For the most updated information visit MSU Student Life https://studentlife.msu.edu/about/mlk-conference.html
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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5th Annual Social Justice Art Festival
Beginning at 6 p.m. | FREE | VirtualThis is a 2-day event showcasing MSU undergraduate and graduate student art related to social justice.
No registration necessary
Learn more: www.socialjusticeartfestival.com
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Voices from the Mountaintop Program
12:15 pm to 1:15 pm EST | Castle Board Room, 3rd Floor, College of Law Building | Register
Michigan State University College of Law - Diversity and Equity Services Office cordially invites you to attend its Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Voices from the Mountaintop Program for an enriching conversation with Linda S. Greene, Dean and Foundations Professor of Law, MSU College of Law.
Profoundly, Dean Greene's United States Civil Rights Law Attorney voice is forever cemented in the foundation of the laws that impact educational justice, access, and equity systems. During this program, Dean Greene will share her lived story of how, to date, she uses the law as a vehicle to further Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s resounding words codified in his 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” Complimentary Lunch Provided.
Registration for College of Law students and alumni
Learn more: www.law.msu.edu/diversity
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COVID-19 Exposes the Existence of Racism in Health Care
5:45 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Martin Luther King Jr. Observance by Health Colleges
Jointly sponsored by the College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Veterinary Medicine and Office of Executive Vice President for Health Sciences.About the Speaker
Dr. Rachel R. Hardeman is a tenured Associate Professor in the Division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, the Blue Cross Endowed Professor in Health and Racial Equity, and the Founding Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity. A reproductive health equity researcher, she applies the tools of population health science and health services research to elucidate a critical and complex determinant of health inequity—racism. Her work aims to link structural racism to health, identify opportunities for intervention, and dismantle the systems that allow inequities to persist.
RSVP - Registration requested by January 20, 8 a.m.
(The link for Zoom will be sent after registration) -
Student Focus on Health
5:45 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
The MLK student planning committee in collaboration with the RCAH Wellness Project encourages students to participate in the COVID-19 Exposes the Existence of Racism in Health Care session.
Martin Luther King Jr. Observance by Health Colleges
Jointly sponsored by the College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Veterinary Medicine and Office of Executive Vice President for Health Sciences.About the Speaker
Dr. Rachel R. Hardeman is a tenured Associate Professor in the Division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, the Blue Cross Endowed Professor in Health and Racial Equity, and the Founding Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity. A reproductive health equity researcher, she applies the tools of population health science and health services research to elucidate a critical and complex determinant of health inequity—racism. Her work aims to link structural racism to health, identify opportunities for intervention, and dismantle the systems that allow inequities to persist.
RSVP - Registration requested by January 20, 8 a.m.
(The link for Zoom will be sent after registration)Visit MSU Student Life https://studentlife.msu.edu/about/mlk-conference.html
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Five Nights Toward Freedom - Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth
7 p.m. (57 min) | FREE | RegisterUnnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth
hosted by LeConté Dill, Ph.D., Department of African American and African StudiesJoin the MSU Libraries and WKAR on virtual screenings and conversations featuring films focusing on public health, bringing together leading MSU experts and community members to watch and discuss a range of historic and contemporary films.
Co-sponsors: Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine, James Madison College. Department of African American and African Studies.Five Nights Toward Freedom is a partnership between WKAR Public Media and MSU Libraries.
Friday, January 21, 2022
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Five Nights Toward Freedom - Poisoned Water
7 p.m. (120 min) | FREE | Register
Poisoned Water
Join the conversation as MSU Libraries and WKAR present the final installment in this MLK commemorative film series for 2022. From NOVA on PBS, Poisoned Water investigates what happened in Flint, Michigan when local officials changed the city’s water source to save money, but overlooked a critical treatment process and exposed the community—including thousands of children—to dangerous levels of poison. Is there a way forward from chaos to community?
Panel Discussion following viewing:
- Susan Stein-Roggenbuck, Ph.D., James Madison College.
- Mieka J. Smart, DrPH, MHS, Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine.
- Renee Branch Canady, Ph.D., MPA, Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine
- LeConté Dill, Ph.D., Department of African American and African Studies
Co-sponsors: Division of Public Health / College of Human Medicine, James Madison College. Department of African American and African Studies.
Five Nights Toward Freedom is a partnership between WKAR Public Media and MSU Libraries.
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MLK Week Virtual Tour of the Atlanta and the King Center
12 noon (EST) | FREE | Virtual Event
Please join us for a virtual tour of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King Center and other icon civil rights landmarks in Atlanta, Ga. The tour will be virtual and will be delivered via Zoom.
Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
February 9, 2022
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Muslim Journeys: Malcolm X by Spike Lee Film Discussion
7 - 8:45 p.m. | FREE | In-Person at East Lansing Public LibraryJoin us at the East Lansing Public Library for the next event in the Muslim Journeys series. We will screen excerpts from the film Malcolm X by Spike Lee with a lecture by Dr. Jeff Wray (MSU Department of English/Film Studies), followed by small and large group discussions of the film.