Eastern Michigan University establishes a week of service in memory of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
The week started with a day of events Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in lieu of holding classes. Highlighting the celebrations was the President's Luncheon at the Student Center, which featured Mary Frances Berry, an author, activist and historian who received the Nelson Mandela Award from the South African government for her role in creating the Free South Africa Movement in the 1980s.
University leaders who organized the week of activities said the events are designed to provide meaningful activities and opportunities to honor King's legacy through community action and service.
Make an Impact: Participate in MLK Week of Service benefitting Swoop's Pantry!
Students and student organizations can contribute to the campus food pantry as a way of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Swoop's Pantry is dedicated to providing essential support to students in need. Example projects are listed below. Students and student organizations interested in getting involved should sign up through this Swoop's project form, or email swoops_pantry@emich.edu for more details.
- Collecting gift cards (of any kind) to donate to Swoop's.
- Setting up a food drive competition with another student organization.
- Holding a bag drive to collect paper, plastic and reusable bags.
Other events on and off campus during the week include the following:
Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
MLK Jr. President’s Luncheon
The MLK President’s Luncheon features Dr. Mary Frances Berry, author, activist and historian, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. WXYZ-TV Anchor Chuck Stokes will serve as emcee for the event. A book signing with Dr. Berry will follow the luncheon. A ticket purchase is required to attend the luncheon, which is approved for LBC credit. Tickets can be purchased through the university's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration web page.
MLK Jr. Book Signing with Mary Frances Berry
Dr. Mary Frances Berry has written extensively on topics ranging from the history of constitutional racism in America to the evolution of progressive activism. Her latest work, "History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times," explores the power of activism in driving social change. Berry will be available for book signings from 2 to 3 p.m. in Student Center 310A.
MLK Day at the Ypsilanti District Library
The Ypsilanti Youth Choir highlights events at the Superior Branch of the Ypsilanti District Library to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Also on the agenda are a hands-on craft and community service project.
The service project provides attendees with the opportunity to write heartfelt messages to local seniors. Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends to the event, which will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in the meeting room at the library's Superior Township branch, located at 1900 Harris Road.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025
MLK Basketball Game: Ohio Bobcats v. EMU Eagles
The MLK Day basketball game tips off at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the George Gervin GaveAbove Convocation Center. Celebrate unity, community and the spirit of Dr. King while cheering on our Eagles.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025
Black History 101 Mobile Museum
Established by Detroit educator Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum is a traveling repository of more than 10,000 original artifacts, spanning from the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the culture of hip hop. el-Hakim, who earned a doctorate degree in education at the University of Illinois, started the traveling exhibit 30 years ago as an effort to preserve and advance the legacy of the Black Museum Movement. The museum has been open to visitors across 43 states, including stops at 1,000 institutions.
At Eastern, the museum exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Student Center 204.
Black History 101 Mobile Museum Lecture
Dr. Khalid el-Hakim will also shares his story of education, history and race, during a lecture from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center auditorium. He is the founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, a traveling repository of more than 10,000 original artifacts related to Black history and culture. The lecture is approved for LBC credit.
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
Black History 101 Mobile Museum
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum will be open again on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Student Center 204.
Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
Final Day of MLK Week of Service
Students and student organizations participate in their final day of service projects for the week.
