- Sunday, Jan. 13
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MLK Kick-Off Celebration
4 p.m.
Galilee Baptist Church
1216 N Westnedge Ave
This inaugural worship service celebrates Dr. King’s life and legacy and features Dr. Johnny Young, the Senior Presiding Bishop of the Church of God Pentecostal Incorporated from Inglewood, CA. The service will also feature the 100-voice MLK Celebration Choir and other special guests.
Sponsors: Northside Ministerial Alliance, Western Michigan University, City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College.
- Tuesday, Jan. 15
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Student Life in the U.S.: African Perspectives
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Friedmann Hall, Room 3301
Students from different African countries will speak about their experiences as students in the U.S., culture shock and African student life. This program seeks to show how U.S. culture and the educational system are perceived from an international perspective in order to become more socially responsive.
Sponsors: International Politics Forum, WMU Department of Political Science.
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Martin Luther King: The Fierce Urgency of Now!
7 p.m.
Kalamazoo College
Mandelle Hall, Olmsted Room
Dr. Grace Lee Boggs, an activist, writer and speaker with over 60 years experience working in major U.S. movements, will reflect on her work with Dr. King and speak on the “Urgency of Now” to create peace in the midst of war, sustainable living, healthy communities and justice–now. Sponsors: Stryker Center for Service Learning at Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo College Music Department, Leslie Tung, Alison Geist, Breigh Montgomery.
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Keep the Justice Coming
7 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Bernhard Center
This movie on justice and action moves us to remember and learn more about social justice issues that were, and still may be present. This movie is for all ages and can serve as an intergenerational event for college students and adults.
Sponsor: PeaceJam Mentors at WMU.
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Reading Together Kick-Off: “What’s Your Dream?” Voices Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 S Rose St
Van Duesen Room
“Animal Dreams” by Barbara Kingsolver is this year’s Reading Together book. Springing from the inspiration of the book’s title, Reading Together encourages people to think about their own dreams and talk about how they live these dreams in our community. This event will feature residents from the greater Kalamazoo area as we remember Dr. King’s powerful “I have a dream...” speech and reflect on our own dreams for our children, our community, our nation and our world. Sponsors: Kalamazoo Public Library,
City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, Northside Ministerial Alliance.
- Wednesday, Jan. 16
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Poverty Simulation Workshop
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Douglass Community Association
1000 W Paterson Ave
The Poverty Simulation workshop is an interactive and sensitizing experience where participants actively discover the realities and effects of living in poverty. Individuals will be given specific roles to play and be presented with scenarios that people in poverty face daily. Sponsors: Leadership Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Poverty Reduction Initiative.
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Candlelight Vigil Honoring United States Service Personnel and Veterans
5 p.m.
Kalamazoo College
Stetson Chapel Steps
1200 Academy St
This event honors the men and women of the armed forces, currently serving in the military, and veterans. All veterans and current service personnel are encouraged to attend to receive special recognition for your dedication to our country and our freedoms. Sponsors: Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, City of Kalamazoo, Northside Ministerial Alliance.
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Stand Up for Justice, Stand Up for Truth and Stand Against Hate: A Film Review and Discussion on Nooses as Symbols of Hate
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Multicultural Center–Trimpe Building
Main Lounge, Room 1110
Glinda Rawls and Dr. Evelyn Winfield will show the film: “Nooses–An American Nightmare” and facilitate a discussion about its relevance in light of the recent and public resurgence in intimidating behaviors and acts of hatred. Participants will learn about the psychological processes associated with acts of hatred and be encouraged to develop a list of ways in which they can stand up for justice and truth by standing against hate. Sponsor: WMU Counseling and Testing Center.
- Thursday, Jan. 17
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Let’s Talk About Race
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Portage North Middle School
5808 Oregon St, Portage
This workshop will expand upon unintentional intolerance and its impact on staff, students and the larger community. In addition, this event will be a springboard to conversations that will further enhance our understanding of the subtle, yet harmful and destructive influence of systemic racism. This workshop will be facilitated by Crossroads, a non-profit Chicago organization dedicated to dismantling systemic racism and promoting multicultural diversity within communities. Sponsors: Portage Public School District-Cultural Diversity Committee.
- Friday, Jan. 18
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From MLK to the Present: Religion, Activism and Politics
4 - 6 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Room 210, Bernhard Center
This panel discussion led by WMU graduate students will explore the interplay between religion, activism, and politics within the work of Martin Luther King Junior and the contemporary context. Brief graduate student papers will be presented to encourage discussion of this topic among the audience. One of the themes will be the role of religious ideas and religious organizations in social justice movements. Sponsor: WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society.
- Saturday, Jan. 19
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Third Annual Kalamazoo Promise Rally for Youth
6 p.m.
Galilee Baptist Church
1216 N Westnedge Ave
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We Have a Dream
8 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Miller Auditorium
WMU professor Dr. Von Washington will perform “New Morning for the World” by Joseph Schwantner with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. This work sets excerpts of Dr. King’s speeches to music. The concert will pay homage to Dr. King’s life and lobby displays will celebrate the Kalamazoo Promise. Reserved seat tickets are $19, $29, $39 and $49 (students and children half-price) Harvey’s Hideaway (general admission, balcony) are $5 in advance; $7 day of concert. Tickets are available at Miller Auditorium Ticket Office and Epic Center Box Office. Call 387-2300 or purchase at the door. Sponsor: Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
- Sunday, Jan. 20
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MLK Multicultural Celebration
4 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Miller Auditorium
WMU president, Dr. John M. Dunn will be the keynote speaker for this event. This program will highlight the talents of local artists, WMU professor, Dr. Von Washington, Ujima and Ebony Vision Dance Troupes. Also featured is the 100-voice MLK Celebration Choir. Sponsors: Western Michigan University, Northside Ministerial Alliance, City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College.
- Monday, Jan. 21
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MLK Communitywide Day of Service
7 a.m. - Registration begins
2:45 p.m. - Projects completed
Radisson Hotel and Suites
100 W Michigan Ave
To commemorate Dr. King’s birthday, the City of Kalamazoo facilitates opportunities for residents to volunteer for participating social service organizations in the greater Kalamazoo area. Sponsors: City of Kalamazoo, AT&T Corporation, Kalamazoo County, Ecumenical Senior Center, Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, Northside Ministerial Alliance.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
10:50 a.m.
Kalamazoo College
Stetson Chapel
1200 Academy St
Kalamazoo College president, Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran, will speak at this convocation service on the theme: “What King Wrought: Stand Up for Justice, Stand Up for Truth.” Also featured will be the 100-voice MLK Celebration Choir. Sponsors: Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, Northside Ministerial Alliance, City of Kalamazoo.
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Parade/March to MLK Park
Parade route: Begins at 1:45 p.m. at WMU’s Kanley Chapel; then to Kalamazoo College, corner of Thompson and Academy streets, at 2:15 p.m. to Radisson Hotel and Suites at 2:30 p.m.; to MLK Park. Sponsors: City of Kalamazoo, AT&T Corporation, Western Michigan University, Northside Ministerial Alliance, Kalamazoo College, Ecumenical Senior Center, Kalamazoo County.
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Dispute Resolution Services of Gryphon Place
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Gryphon Place
1104 S Westnedge Ave
Dispute Resolution Services of Gryphon Place will offer mediation services free of charge for cases involving private individuals, families and agencies if that case is opened on January 21. The goal is to help people peacefully resolve their conflicts in a way that honors the legacy of Dr. King. Sponsor: Gryphon Place.
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