ALMA — A series of events and activities honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. will be held during the week of Jan. 20, celebrating and reflecting on his visions for civil rights and social justice.

The week’s activities are highlighted by a campus and community program featuring the Hon. Judge Marlena E. Taylor of the 36th District Court in Detroit, who will deliver a keynote address. The program will take place on Monday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Presbyterian Hall at the Heritage Center for the Performing Arts.

“We are looking forward to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the week of events that follow on campus,” said Damon Brown, vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer at Alma College. “This is a day for us as a community to reflect on the life of Dr. King and his impact on our society. We’re grateful to Judge Taylor for speaking with our campus community and believe she has much to offer in terms of how we can help continue Dr. King’s dream.”

Taylor was appointed to the bench by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2021. Prior to that, she served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office since 2011. Taylor also served as the senior assistant prosecuting attorney for the Right TRAC Diversion Program, where she worked with juvenile offenders. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

In addition to the keynote program, several other events are planned for students, staff, and faculty of Alma College. This year’s MLK Program Series, dedicated to interactive activities centered around civil rights and social justice, features:

  • Afternoon Panel Discussion: “Standing on His Shoulders: Living Out Dr. King’s Legacy as Black Men in 2025”, from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday in the Andison Center of the Greg Hatcher Learning Commons.
  • Evening Panel: “The Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in the Andison Chapel.

Other scheduled activities include:

  • Film Screening: “4 Little Girls,” a historical documentary about the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Screenings will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Tyler-Van Dusen Multicultural Lounge. Popcorn and soda will be provided.
  • Blood Drive: From 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday in the Tyler-Van Dusen Campus Center. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Make an appointment at redcrossblood.org.
  • Hygiene Kit Assembly: Students will assemble basic hygiene kits for the MyMichigan Continuing Care Clinic from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday in the lower level of the Greg Hatcher Learning Commons.

The public is invited to attend the Hilson Poetry Slam, where poets of all skill levels will perform works inspired by Dr. King’s legacy. It is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Ballyhoo Books and Brew, 111 W. Superior St. An open mic session will be available for anyone wishing to perform; memorization is not required. The event honors the late Calvin Hilson ’06, who began the tradition of hosting a poetry slam on MLK Day at Alma College and passed away in 2016.

The week’s events will conclude with the 2025 Unity Celebration, held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the Tyler-Van Dusen Campus Center. Participants will celebrate the week’s achievements with live entertainment, dinner, and community. The public is welcome to attend, and no RSVP is required.

For more information, contact the Alma College Diversity and Inclusion Office at diversity@alma.edu or (989) 463-7247.