Beginning Jan. 16, MSU will host a series of free events as part of the university’s 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration.
The greater Lansing community is invited to join MSU students, faculty and staff members in activities and service projects that honor King’s legacy, including jazz concerts, a student leadership conference, volunteer/service opportunities, a movie screening of “The Hate U Give,” a commemorative march, MSU Museum social justice exhibits, a community dinner, Social Justice Art Festival and various college and unit activities.
The theme for 2019 is “Free Speech: Constitutional Right vs. Respectful Discourse.” Some events include:
Jan. 16:
Social Determinants of Health: A Call to Action 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Conrad Auditorium. Sponsored by the Colleges of Human Medicine, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is the speaker.
Jan. 20:
Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concerts 3 and 7 p.m. at Fairchild Theatre. Enjoy performances by the MSU Jazz Orchestra and guests. Tickets are required but are free.
Jan. 21:
Student Leadership Conference 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Big Ten A at the Kellogg Center. Students will demonstrate their leadership abilities through presentations, artistic performances and dialogue surrounding the MLK theme. The top three presentations will receive prizes valued at $1,000, $500 and $250. Register here.
"Learn Before You Speak: An Interactive Service Event" 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms at the Kellogg Center. This event will provide opportunities for students, faculty/staff and community attendees to learn about local organizations that use free speech to serve others, participate in an on-site service project and contribute to a guided discussion about how we use speech in service. The event is centered around the topic of immigration.
"The Hate U Give" Noon in B115 in Wells Hall. This is an exclusive screening of the film "The Hate U Give" based upon the New York Times best-selling book by Angie Thomas. The film centers on the aftermath that follows when a high school student witnesses a police shooting.
March for Justice 3:15 p.m. beginning in Room Big Ten A of the Kellogg Center and proceeding to Beaumont Tower for an inspirational speech. Members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will lead the MSU community in a symbolic march for social justice. Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to participate.
MSU Community Dinner 5 to 7 p.m. at Hubbard Dining Hall. Food is powerful. It brings us together, shapes our memories and empowers our communities. The MSU and Lansing communities have a special opportunity provided by RHS to come together and eat, enjoy fellowship and reflect on the legacy of Dr. King. All spaces are filled at this time. Donations can be made to the MLK Scholarship Fund.
"Ode to Dr. King" Spoken Word Contest and Keynote Presentation 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Erickson Kiva. Robert Green, dean emeritus and Dr. King's former education director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, will be speaking. For more information, visit the MSU School of Social Work event page.
Jan. 25:
Social Justice Art Festival Noon at Snyder-Phillips Hall. The Social Justice Art Festival is a collaboration between MSU colleges and units to provide a space for MSU students to utilize art as a tool to engage in topics related to social justice.
Though classes are canceled on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the university remains open. View the full list of commemorative events at the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.