MLK Planning Committee
While reflecting on Dr. King's message of civil rights and social justice for all, through nonviolent means, MSU students, faculty, and staff join an all-university committee to plan and deliver powerful events to commemorate his legacy.
Every year, a large group of community members meet monthly between September and January to plan university-wide activities. Many of the activities are student-focused so a subcommittee consisting of registered student leaders meet weekly to plan them. For many years, a variety of programs have been offered that include concerts, student leadership conferences, marches, exhibits, and dinners. These events continue to be well attended and grow larger every year.
It is important to emphasize that Dr. King events are not designed just for individuals who may think alike or even look alike. Practicing one of MSU's core values — inclusion — these events are open to everyone, whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or a member of the broader community. The annual commemoration of Dr. King continues to be one of many ways for individuals and groups at MSU, to engage in respectful dialogues across our differences.
Students meet separately from the larger committee to plan activities that are student-focused. These activities include the Student Leadership Conference and the Commemorative March.
Other students that want to participate and support the efforts of those who are working on the programs are welcomed to join the meetings.
2024-2025 MLK Planning Committee
- Alex Guo, MSU sophomore majoring in humanities/prelaw
- Amanda Flores, Senior Director of DEI, WKAR
- Andrea Parker, Accounting Clerk, University Procurement & Logistics
- Andrew Lathrop, Project/Event Coordinator, Libraries
- Becky Jo Farrington, Regional Gift Planning Advisor, Office of Gift Planning
- Brian Johnson, Assistant Dean of DEI, James Madison College
- Dan DiMaggio, Director, Student Engagement University Advancement
- De’Ondra Hogan, DEI Program Manager, Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration
- Debra Bittner, Secretary II, Human Resources
- Doreen Gordon, Research Administrator, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research
- Dreux Baker, Director of DEI, Residence Education and Housing Services
- Elbony Hawkins, Administrative Business Manager, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Emily Mata-Garnaat, Events Coordinator, WKAR
- Gabrielle Miller, DEI Program Manager, Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration
- Jaela Young, MSU graduate student majoring in higher, adult and lifelong education
- Jaikara Lynn, MSU graduate student majoring in student affairs administration
- Jaimie Hutchinson, Associate Director of Engagement for Health Promotion, Engagement, Accessibility, and Accommodations
- Janette Nunez Chavez, Latin American & Caribbean Studies Librarian
- Jason Worley, Student Services Assistant, DEIB OCAT
- Kaden Johnson, MSU junior majoring in economics
- Kristopher Keyton, Program Manager, Center for Community Engaged Learning
- Mariah Boateng, MSU senior majoring in communication
- Melissa Del Rio, Chief of Staff, The Graduate School & Women of Color Community
- Monzola (Cooke) Whitaker, Special Assistant, Jazz Studies Program
- Rachael Pyram, MSU graduate student majoring in psychology
- Sharron Reed-Davis, Student Services Assistant II, DEIB Administration
- Tacora Roach, MSU junior majoring in english
- Tammye Coles, Director, Office of Spartan Experiences
Support team:
- Audrey Bentley, Administrative Assistant III, Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
- Brady Velazquez, Executive Staff Assistant, Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
- Leah Ball, Communications Manager II, Office of the Provost
- Richard Taylor, Communications Manager I, Office of the Provost