Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid Michigan presents: A Day of Celebration

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; and community conversations and concerts.

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.