MLK celebration calls West Michigan to community action

Education

Jan 13

Written By Staff

Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, and Davenport University will host the 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wealthy Theater - 1130 Wealthy St SE in Grand Rapids. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action will mark four decades of tri-campus partnership and serve as a powerful launchpad for purposeful engagement and positive change in West Michigan.

Inspired by the King Center's 2026 theme, Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way, this year's focus is a dynamic Community Conversation designed to point the community boldly forward. The conversation will center on translating this powerful national theme into tangible action in the local community, with a focus on collaboration, equity, and sustainable change.

"For 40 years, this tri-campus collaboration has exemplified a shared commitment to Dr. King's legacy," said Dr. Nygil Likely, Vice President for Ppeople, Culture, and Equity, Grand Rapids Community College. "This anniversary is not just a look back, but a clear call to action for every neighbor, leader, student, and family to define their legacy by committing to service and standing up for justice, equality, and peace."

The event will issue a clear call to action, rooted in Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community. Participants will learn practical strategies for bridging divides, fostering genuine dialogue, and strengthening the bonds of our diverse community, choosing community over chaos. The conversation will explore Kingian Nonviolence, not as passive resistance, but as a courageous, disciplined and love-centered methodology for confronting injustice and creating systemic change.

A panel discussion will feature thought leaders who will provide invaluable perspectives to this critical dialogue.

This is a free event. No registration is required.