A message of encouraging advocacy opportunities at any age is coming to Ferris State University campus Monday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. as Martese Johnson, an associate with a New York City law firm, shares his experiences and wisdom during a keynote address for the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

 

Office of Multicultural Student Services Assistant Director Darnell Lewis said Johnson, a 2021 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, was the victim of a violent encounter with Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control officers in 2015 while he was an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia. A video of the incident, where Johnson received deep cuts on his face while being placed in handcuffs and leg shackles, prompted a #JusticeForMartese social media campaign.

 

“The theme of our MLK celebration is ‘Bloody But Unbowed: The Fight Continues’ as Martese still bears scars from that savage and unprovoked attack,” Lewis said. “He was able to take that experience and build a platform of social justice advocacy. We feel Johnson’s call to stand confident and speak out for equality and fair treatment will resonate with our students and campus community.”

 

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration begins with the 29th annual In-Service, beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms. The theme of this program of faculty and staff presentations is “Helping Others Rise.” Also, the annual campus Freedom March begins at the Rankin Atrium, in the David L. Eisler Center, at approximately 4 p.m. Johnson’s presentation starts at 5 p.m., in the Eisler Center ballrooms.

 

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Tribute will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in Ballroom A of the David L. Eisler Center.

 

“We are confident our students will offer a variety of meaningful presentations for this event,” Lewis said. “We have advised a number of student organizations. This is an opportunity to play an important role in celebrating Dr. King and his legacy.”

 

For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Services by phone at (231) 591-2617