Traditional campus activities and a special guest’s talk comprise Ferris State University’s collaborative Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration schedule beginning Monday, Jan. 17.

 

The Diversity and Inclusion Office hosts the 28th annual Faculty/Staff Zoom presentation of inspirational readings in Room 202B of the University Center, beginning at 10 a.m. The program theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” Interested participants should complete registration by Monday, Jan. 10.

 

The Office of Multicultural Student Services welcomes 1960s Freedom Rider Joan Trumpauer Mulholland to the celebration. Mulholland’s talk, “Living Legends: Advocacy in Action,” begins at 5 p.m. in University Center, Room 202A. Preceding the Mulholland presentation is a “March for Freedom, Justice and Equity!” starting at 4 p.m. Marchers will depart from the Rankin Atrium on the lower level of the University Center.

 

OMSS Assistant Director Darnell Lewis expressed pride in having an icon of the Civil Rights Movement as the featured speaker. In-person seating will be limited to 40 people. RSVPs are required to attend this presentation, aired live via Zoom.

 

“We feel really great about the opportunity to hear from a living legend who made a difficult, even dangerous choice to advocate,” Lewis said. “We hope Joan’s message inspires our audience to a similar level of awareness and action in the name of justice and equality as we honor Dr. King.”

 

Celebration activities conclude with the Student Tribute. Students and registered student organizations perform skits, speeches, poems and musical presentations on Wednesday, Jan. 19th at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Lewis is the OMSS contact available for joining the program or receiving more information. His campus phone number is (231) 591-5029.

 

Those with a disability who may require assistance to attend any element of the celebration schedule can contact the OMSS office by email or call (231) 591-2617 at least 72 hours before the event.