MLK Week Archive
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
– Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every year, Lake Michigan College invites our community to join us in honoring and celebrating the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as those who continue to tread in his footsteps.
What started as a one-day community breakfast on MLK Day, has since evolved into a week-long celebration encompassing a diverse array of in-person and virtual events, cultivated through collaborative partnerships between the college and our community members.
Together, these varied voices come together to create an authentic community tribute to MLK and his lasting influence.
The 2024 MLK Celebration Week, slated for Jan. 15-20, will build upon this momentum, offering a compelling blend of in-person and virtual events, including artistic reflections, performances, roundtable discussions, guest speakers, and much more.
This year's theme, "Power of One Voice," draws inspiration from Dr. King's belief in the significance of an individual's voice when it comes to speaking out against injustice.
2023 MLK Celebration Committee
Chairs
Cam Herth, LMC
Charmae Sanders, LMC/Race Relations Council
Members
Christina Arseneau, Niles History Center
Bryan Bacon, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Niles
Jeremy D. Bonfiglio, LMC
Emanuel Brown, African American History and Literature Gallery
Sharon Brown, African American History and Literature Gallery
Gladys Peeples-Burks, Race Relations Council
Andrea Burns, Niles District Library
Traci Burton, Community Influencer
Nat Carrow, Krasl Art Center
Barbara Craig, LMC
Heather Cole, United Way
Julia Gourley Donohue, Krasl Art Center
Susan Eastman, LMC
Larry Feldman, Race Relations Council/All God’s Children Community Choir
Sandy Feldman, Race Relations Council/All God’s Children Community Choir
Ashley Hines, Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation
Jacquie Johnson, LMC/Race Relations Council
Kyna Johnson, Kingdom Business, ETC
Paulette Johnson, Andrews University
Brian Keith
George Kendall, LMC
Rob Lunn, LMC
Nathan Margoni, Krasl Art Center
Pam McVay, LMC
Gerrod Moore, Whirlpool Corp.
Mike Nadolski, LMC
Olivia Nichols, Sturgis Bank
Jen O’Flynn, LMC
Barbara Peeples, Race Relations Council
Jerry Price, Spectrum Health Lakeland
Debbie Ramirez, United Way
Dashuna Robinson, Benton Harbor School Board
Stephanie Steele, LMC
Reinaldo Triplett, Benton Harbor Area Schools
Sonda Wagner, LMC
Mollie Watson, Niles History Center
Diane Young, Michigan Works
Kris Zook, LMC
Spirit of MLK Spotlight nominations
The MLK Celebration Committee is seeking Spirit of MLK Spotlight nominations, which recognize those who embody the love and spirit exemplified by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Nominees are accepted in three categories – Students (any age – 21 and younger), Individuals, and Organizations.
Nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Does meaningful work that embodies love and the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood, exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr.
- The organization or individual must be actively involved in work that advances or promotes racial and social justice in a substantive way.
- The work must directly impact community members in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties.
Recipients of the Spirit of MLK Spotlight will be recognized during the community-wide MLK Celebration Week, scheduled for Jan.15-20, 2024.
Self-nominations are permitted. Multiple nominations also are accepted. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Submit your nomination using this form.
Artistic Reflections
Calling all artists, dancers, actors, musicians, and writers! LMC and the MLK Celebration Committee seek original artwork submissions honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired by the theme "Keep Moving Forward."
Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to submit photos, video, audio, or written expressions by Friday, Dec. 16. Submissions may be in the form of visual artwork, dance, music, poetry, photography, short stories, spoken word, poetry, theatrical presentations, or other creative works.
Artistic works will be posted in the virtual gallery in January 2024 with select pieces highlighted as part of a community-wide celebration the week of Jan. 15-20, 2024. These works will become part of a perpetual virtual Artistic Reflections gallery on LMC’s website. There is no cost for entry.
Submit your own Artistic Reflection using this form.
Vocal Tribute Showcase
Individual singers, small groups, and choirs of all kinds are invited to participate in this special vocal performance. Singing gave voice to the hopes, protests, despair, and aspirations of the citizens fighting for equality and justice during the Civil Rights Movement. They sang Negro spirituals, the blues, folk songs, jazz, and gospel as they marched and worshipped. This year’s concert theme is ‘Power of One Voice,’ indicating the unified voice with which the community speaks and collaborates. This free concert will take place at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University at 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 20, 2024, and is open to the public. We invite school, civic, and church groups, choirs, and individuals to be part of this inspirational vocal tradition. For more information, and to submit your intent to participate, please contact pjohnson@andrews.edu no later than October 31, 2023.
“We must keep moving. If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl; but by all means, keep moving.” ― Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from his “Keep Moving from This Mountain” speech
Each year, Lake Michigan College has invited the community to join us to honor and celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy, and the people who seek to follow in his footsteps.
What started as a one-day community breakfast on MLK Day, has since transformed into a week-long celebration of in-person and virtual events built through a series of partnerships between the college and members of our communities. Together, these diverse voices create a true community celebration of MLK and his enduring legacy.
The 2023 MLK Celebration Week, was held Jan. 14-20, and built on that momentum with both in-person and virtual events, including artistic reflections, performances, round table discussions, speakers, and more.
The theme of this week, “Keep Moving Forward,” is inspired by King’s speech, “Keep Moving from This Mountain” delivered April 10, 1960, in an address at Spelman College in Atlanta.
2023 MLK Celebration Committee
Chairs
Cam Herth, LMC
Charmae Sanders, LMC/Race Relations Council
Members
Christina Arseneau, Niles History Center
Bryan Bacon, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Niles
Jeremy D. Bonfiglio, LMC
Emanuel Brown, African American History and Literature Gallery
Sharon Brown, African American History and Literature Gallery
Gladys Peeples-Burks, Race Relations Council
Andrea Burns, Niles District Library
Traci Burton, Community Influencer
Nat Carrow, Krasl Art Center
Barbara Craig, LMC
Heather Cole, United Way
Julia Gourley Donohue, Krasl Art Center
Susan Eastman, LMC
Larry Feldman, Race Relations Council/All God’s Children Community Choir
Sandy Feldman, Race Relations Council/All God’s Children Community Choir
Ashley Hines, Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation
Jacquie Johnson, LMC/Race Relations Council
Kyna Johnson, Kingdom Business, ETC
Paulette Johnson, Andrews University
Brian Keith
George Kendall, LMC
Rob Lunn, LMC
Nathan Margoni, Krasl Art Center
Pam McVay, LMC
Gerrod Moore, Whirlpool Corp.
Mike Nadolski, LMC
Olivia Nichols, Sturgis Bank
Jen O’Flynn, LMC
Barbara Peeples, Race Relations Council
Jerry Price, Spectrum Health Lakeland
Debbie Ramirez, United Way
Dashuna Robinson, Benton Harbor School Board
Stephanie Steele, LMC
Reinaldo Triplett, Benton Harbor Area Schools
Sonda Wagner, LMC
Mollie Watson, Niles History Center
Diane Young, Michigan Works
Kris Zook, LMC
Spirit of MLK Spotlight nominations
The MLK Celebration Committee is seeking Spirit of MLK Spotlight nominations, which recognize those who embody the love and spirit exemplified by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Nominees are accepted in three categories – Students (any age – 21 and younger), Individuals, and Organizations.
Nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Does meaningful work that embodies love and the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood, exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr.
- The organization or individual must be actively involved in work that advances or promotes racial and social justice in a substantive way.
- The work must directly impact community members in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties.
Recipients of the Spirit of MLK Spotlight will be recognized during the community-wide MLK Celebration Week, scheduled for Jan. 14-20, 2023.
Self-nominations are permitted. Multiple nominations also are accepted. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Submit your nomination using this form.
Artistic Reflections
Calling all artists, dancers, actors, musicians, and writers! LMC and the MLK Celebration Committee seek original artwork submissions honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired by the theme "Keep Moving Forward."
Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to submit photos, video, audio, or written expressions by Friday, Dec. 16. Submissions may be in the form of visual artwork, dance, music, poetry, photography, short stories, spoken word, poetry, theatrical presentations, or other creative works.
Artistic works will be posted in the virtual gallery in January 2023 with select pieces highlighted as part of a community-wide celebration the week of Jan. 16-20, 2023. These works will become part of a perpetual virtual Artistic Reflections gallery on LMC’s website. There is no cost for entry.
“We have come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. … Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” ― Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from his “I Have a Dream” speech
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what started as a one-day community breakfast on MLK Day, transformed last year into a week-long celebration of virtual events built through a series of partnerships between the college and members of our communities. Together, these diverse voices created a true community celebration of MLK and his enduring legacy.
Our next MLK Celebration Week, scheduled for Jan. 17-21, 2022, will build on that momentum with both in-person and virtual events, including artistic reflections, performances, round table discussions, speakers, trivia, and more.
2022 MLK Celebration Committee
Chairs
Major Cooper, LMC
Grace Kelmer, LMC
Mike Nadolski, LMC
Jen O’Flynn, LMC
Members
Christina Arseneau, Niles History Center
Bryan Bacon, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Niles
Jeremy D. Bonfiglio, LMC
Emanuel Brown, African American History and Literature Gallery
Sharon Brown, African American History and Literature Gallery
Gladys Peeples-Burks, Race Relations Council
Traci Burton, Community Influencer
Barbara Craig, LMC
Heather Cole, United Way
Susan Eastman, LMC
Candice Elders, LMC
Larry Feldman, Race Relations Council
Sandy Feldman, Race Relations Council
Julia Gourley, Krasl Art Center
Ashley Hines, Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation
Nick Hooper, LMC
Dawn Howley, United Way of Southwest Michigan
Jacquie Johnson, LMC/Race Relations Council
Kyna Johnson, Kingdom Business ETC
Paulette Johnson, Andrews University
Nathan Margoni, Krasl Art Center
Emily McKenna, Krasl Art Center
Pam McVay, LMC
Gerrod Moore, Whirlpool Corp.
Olivia Nichols, Sturgis Bank
Barbara Peeples, Race Relations Council
Patricia Plaut-Payne, LMC
Jerry Price, Spectrum Health Lakeland
Debbie Ramirez, United Way
Dashuna Robinson, Benton Harbor School Board
Charmae Sanders, LMC/Race Relations Council
Ann Steward, LMC
Reinaldo Triplett, Benton Harbor Area Schools
Stefanie R Harvey-Vandenberg, Whirlpool Corporation
Mollie Watson, Niles History Center
Diane Young, Michigan Works
Kris Zook, LMC
Artistic Reflections
Calling all artists, dancers, actors, musicians and writers! LMC and the MLK Celebration Committee seeks original artwork submissions honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired by the theme "The Fierce Urgency of Now” and the idea of what "I Have a Dream" would look like in 2022.
Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to submit photos, video, audio, or written expressions by Dec. 17. Submissions may be in the form of visual artwork, dance, music, poetry, photography, short stories, spoken word, poetry, theatrical presentations, or other creative works.
Artistic works will be posted in a virtual gallery in January 2022 with select pieces highlighted as part of a community-wide celebration the week of Jan. 17-21, 2022 These works will become part of a perpetual virtual Artistic Reflections gallery on LMC’s website. There is no cost for entry.
Thank you to our Sponsors
“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our pending national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from "Letter From Birmingham Jail"
“If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl; but by all means keep moving.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from “Keep Moving from This Mountain”
2021 MLK Week
2021 Committee
Chairs
Mike Nadolski
LMC
Grace Kelmer
LMC
Members
Christina Arseneau
Niles History Center
Bryan Bacon
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Niles
Jeremy D. Bonfiglio
LMC
Emanuel Brown
African American History and Literature Gallery
Sharon Brown
African American History and Literature Gallery
Gladys Burks
Race Relations Council
Traci Burton
Community Influencer
Barbara Craig
LMC
Heather Cole
United Way
Candice Elders
LMC
Larry Feldman
Race Relations Council
Sandy Feldman
Race Relations Council
Julia Gourley
Krasl Art Center
Dawn Howley
United Way
Jacquie Johnson
LMC / Race Relations Council
Kyna Johnson
Niles Educator/Consultant
Nathan Margoni
Krasl Art Center
Emily McKenna
Krasl Art Center
Pam McVay
LMC
Jen O’Flynn
LMC
Barbara Peeples
Race Relations Council
Patricia Plaut-Payne
LMC
Jerry Price
Spectrum Health Lakeland
Debbie Ramirez
United Way
Eleanor Reece
Whirlpool Corporation
Charmae Sanders
LMC/Race Relations Council
Rosa Skinner
Whirlpool Corporation
Stephanie Steele
LMC
Rebecca Steffen
LMC
Ann Steward
LMC
Stefanie R Harvey-Vandenberg
Whirlpool Corporation
Andrea Zick
LMC
Kris Zook
LMC
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Artistic Reflections
Artists around the community were encouraged to submit their creative reflections on Dr. King’s "Letter From Birmingham Jail" or our central theme of “Now Is the Time.”
Submit your own Artistic Reflection using this form.
Kickoff Recording
Tekeidra Masters Keynote
(Excerpt from Kickoff recording, above.)
Welcome from the Mayors of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph
(Excerpt from Kickoff recording, above.)
Spirit of MLK Spotlights: Lynn Todman
(Excerpt from Kickoff recording, above.)
Spirit of MLK Spotlights: Race Relations Council
(Excerpt from Kickoff recording, above.)
Spirit of MLK Spotlights: Jada Willis
(Excerpt from Kickoff recording, above.)
Juneteenth Preview
(Excerpt from Kickoff recording, above.)
Letter From Birmingham Jail read by Pastor Albert Adams
This year’s community-wide MLK Celebration theme is “Now is the time!” These are words Dr. King exclaimed in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” written in 1963 while serving time in solitary confinement for leading a Good Friday protest as part of the Birmingham Campaign. It was Dr. King’s 13th arrest. He originally wrote the more than 7,000-word letter, in part, in the margins of a newspaper smuggled in to him by a friend. The newspaper contained a letter, written by eight local Christian and Jewish religious leaders, critical of the demonstrations and Dr. King. Remarkably, Dr. King wrote this letter without the benefit of any notes or the ability to research.
Read more historical context about “Letter from Birmingham Jail."
This reading of “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is presented by Pastor Albert Adams, The Church in Benton Harbor.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Community Breakfast
Monday, January 20, 2020
7:45 to 10 A.M.
The Mendel Center’s Grand Upton Hall
1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Each year, Lake Michigan College invites the community to join us to honor and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy and the people who seek to follow in his footsteps. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Service.”
If you were unable to attend in person, the program is available on YouTube.
View the photo gallery from the Monday morning celebration.
MLK Day Program
Monday, January 20, 2020
Breakfast Begins at 7:45 A.M.
Alonzo Kelly, Master of Ceremonies
WELCOME AND REMARKS
Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Chair Debra Johnson; Dr. Trevor A. Kubatzke, President
PERFORMANCES BY
Performances by Lake Michigan College Soundwaves; All God’s Children Community Choir
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Lezlyn Villa, First Place
Shaniya Sanders, Second Place
The student speakers were selected through the annual Lake Michigan College Martin Luther King Jr. Speaker Competition.
2020 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DIVERSITY AWARD PRESENTATION
CLOSING REMARKS
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Community Breakfast
Registration for this event is now closed. See other MLK Week events at the bottom of this page.
Each year, Lake Michigan College invites the community to join us to honor and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy and the people who seek to follow in his footsteps. This year’s theme is “Rise Above the Narrow Horizons.”
Monday, January 21, 2019
7:45 to 10 A.M.
The Mendel Center’s Grand Upton Hall
1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
RSVP by January 17 online, email Angela Kurtz or call (269) 927-6197
Keynote Speaker
Alonzo Kelly, President and CEO, Kelly Leadership Group. LLC
A dynamic executive coach, professor, three-time bestselling author and radio host, Alonzo Kelly has gained international and global attention as a premier consultant and strategist. Alonzo is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on leadership development, strategic thinking and planning to achieve individual and organizational goals.
Program
This event will be streamed live on our YouTube channel!
Monday, January 21, 2019
Breakfast Begins at 7:45 A.M.
Danny Sledge, Master of Ceremonies
WELCOME AND REMARKS
Dr. Trevor A. Kubatzke, President; Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Chair; Congressman Fred Upton
PERFORMANCES BY
Lake Michigan College Choral Students; All God’s Children Community Choir; Overflow Church Worship Arts and Young Life Team
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Alonzo Kelly
LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE STUDENT SPEAKING COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DIVERSITY AWARD COMPETITION WINNERS
CLOSING REMARKS
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the Week
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES - JANUARY 22 AND 23
Volunteer activities will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 22 and 23 at the Hawk’s Nest second floor on the Benton Harbor Campus main building.
LMC students will help assemble dried bean soup and rice packets for area food pantries and create tie blankets for area homeless shelters.
EQUALITY AND EQUITY IN HEALTHCARE TOWN HALL MEETING - JANUARY 23
On Wednesday, January 23, LMC students, employees and community will have the opportunity to hear Jerry Price, Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for Spectrum Healthcare Lakeland, discuss how certain demographic groups were historically disenfranchised from the healthcare system and how those inequalities persist in healthcare today. The meeting takes place on the second floor of the Hawk's Nest on the Benton Harbor Campus main building from noon to 1:30.
RACE RELATIONS COUNCIL FORUM – JANUARY 24
On Thursday, January 24 from noon to 2 p.m. a Race Relations Council Forum will be held in the Hawk’s Nest on the Benton Harbor Campus. The panel will discuss Civil Rights and Voting Rights: Then and Now. Panelists and moderator include LMC Start-to-Finish Manager, Charmae Sanders (Moderator), Leonard Anderson, Harold Bragg, Sekenah Tennison.
News
The MLK Celebration Week 2023, a community-wide effort honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marked the return of the MLK Celebration and Community Breakfast on Monday morning in Grand Upton Hall of Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center.
Lake Michigan College and the MLK Celebration Committee seek original artwork submissions honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as choirs and choral groups to participate in the community-wide MLK Celebration Week, scheduled for Jan. 14-20, 2023.