ABOUT US

Forty-five years ago, business and community leaders came together to work toward federal legislation for a King Holiday. Today, the work of the commission is just as meaningful and impactful; as it has grown to include a community pilgrimage; art exhibits; essay and scholarship contests; community conversations, concerts; and our most notable community event, the annual Day of Celebration.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Commission of Mid Michigan is a non-profit, elected body comprised of volunteer representatives dedicated to preserving the legacy and teachings of Dr. King by supporting community agencies, and empowering youth to achieve educational goals.

The commission sponsors a delegation of 40 high school students to attend Y-Achievers black college tour annually; awarded over $100,000 in scholarships; more than $60,000 in grants to community service agencies. The Commission has also sponsored a delegation of commissioners and citizens to attend the opening and dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Our signature event is the annual Day of Celebration; which has become the place to be on Dr. King’s Holiday because of the caliber of speakers and entertainers we attract. We have been honored to have Congressman Elijah E. Cummings; U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, Freedom Riders Diane Nash, and Henry “Hank” Thomas; Myrlie Evers Williams; and U.S. first elected African American Governor Douglas Wilder as keynote speakers; and gospel giants Tamela Mann, CeCe Winans and Donnie McClurkin as our musical entertainment.

In 2018, we honored the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination on the steps of the Capitol with a Bell Ringing Ceremony; our guest of honor was Mrs. Mary Ellen Norwood Ford; an eyewitness to Dr. King’s assassination.

The commission is also becoming known for thought provoking community conversations; with 2019’s topic on The Muslim Ban; The Wall and Mass shootings.

 
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OUR WORK:

  • Plan and facilitate the nations largest and longest-running annual Day of Celebration in the country.

  • Provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout the tri-counties (more than $100,000 to date).

  • Administer middle school and high school essay contests.

  • Administer the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art Contest.

  • Present the King Legacy and Service Awards to exemplary citizens who have made a substantial contribution to the commission’s work and toward continuing Dr. King’s legacy.

  • Provide financial support to human service agencies that meet critical community needs, such as the YMCA, Greater Lansing Food Bank and American Cancer Society (more than $70,000 to date).

  • Sponsor an annual delegation of high school students to attend the YMCA’s Y-Achievers Black College Tour.