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.
2023-2024 MLK Planning Committee
Nabeeha Ali, ASMSU, ASMSU
Dreux Baker, Asst. Director of DEI, REHS
Becky Jo Farrington, Gift Planning Advisor, Office of Gift Planning/APA
Debra Bittner, President, CTU of MSU
Brian Johnson, Asst. Dean, DEI James Madison College
Tammye Coles, Associate Director, Spartan Experiences Student Life & Engagement
Devon Davidoski, Library Asst., Special Collections MSU Libraries
Dan DiMaggio, Director, Student Engagement University Advancement
Emily Mata-Garnaat, Events Coordinator, WKAR
Amanda Flores, Senior Director of DEI, WKAR
Terrence (Terry) Frazier, Special Asst. to the VP/CDO, Office for Institutional Diversity & Inclusion
Elbony Hawkins, Administrative Business Manager, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Jaime Hutchinson, Director, WorkLife Office
Kristopher Keyton, Program Manager, Center for Community Engaged Learning
Ebony Lucas, WorkLife Consultant, WorkLife Office
Melissa Del Rio, Chief of Staff, The Graduate School & Women of Color Community
Jodi Coalter, Cesar E. Chavez Collection on Chicano/Boricua Studies, MSU Libraries
Monzola (Cooke) Whitaker, Special Assistant, Jazz Studies Program
Dana Whyte, Communications Manager, MSU Police and Public Safety
Andrea Parker, Accounting Clerk, University Procurement & Logistics
Nicole Jones Director, Flint Registry, Professor College of Human Medicine
De'Ondre Hogan, DEI Program Manager, Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration
Gabrielle Miller, DEI Program Manager, Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration
Brandon Foster, Student Dean Assistant, College of Communications Arts & Sciences
Doreen Gordon, Research Admistrator, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Harkirat Kaur, COGS Vice President, COGS External Affairs
Rachael Pyram, COGS Director, Equity and Anti-Discrimination
Jakaira Lynn, Graduate student, Student Affairs Administration
Jason Worley, Student Services Assistant, DEIB OCAT