Ferris State University’s 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration honors the slain civil rights leader from Monday, Jan. 15 through Thursday, Jan. 18, highlighting an activism-and social justice-themed celebration designed to engage students, faculty, staff and community members.

David Pilgrim, vice president for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives, said the 2024 celebration features the annual Freedom March and a nationally known speaker coming to campus on Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

“The theme for this year’s MLK Celebration is Activism and Social Justice,” Pilgrim said. “This year’s activities, including a commemorative march, a music fest and a nationally known speaker, Sybrina Fulton, will give members of the Ferris State community opportunities to reflect on the role of activism in our efforts to build and sustain a more just society.”

The traditional Freedom March begins at the Interdisciplinary Resource Center Connector at 4 p.m. on Jan. 17. Pilgrim said refreshments will be available in the IRC before the special guest presentation, which starts at 5:30 p.m. in Room 111 of the College of Business building. A Ferris State student will interview Sybrina Fulton, author and founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation. Fulton will also take audience questions.

“Since the 2012 death of her son, Trayvon Martin, Sybrina Fulton has become a national leader in the fight for racial justice,” Pilgrim said. “She has turned a heartbreaking personal tragedy into the catalyst for a movement that challenges our nation to be better.” 

MLK Celebration activities include a student-led choir performance on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. in ballrooms B and C of the David L. Eisler Center, with soup and chili provided.

The concluding event in Ballroom C of the Eisler Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6 p.m., will recognize Ferris students who exemplify the activism and social justice theme, along with a trivia question session. Pilgrim said this activity speaks to King’s mission and the philosophy of Ferris State’s founder.

“We honor Woodbridge Ferris when we create a campus where everyone, students, faculty, and staff believes that the University belongs to them as much as it belongs to others,” Pilgrim said. The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is when we remind ourselves of our noble past and our need to remain vigilant in creating an inclusive university.”

Pilgrim noted a pre-recorded virtual event that will be available to observe the holiday and start the celebration.