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Community Reflection
The Conviction Of Lady Lorraine
Youth Voices
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre and Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK) are teaming up to honor MLK Day 2022 by celebrating and amplifying youth voices. We’re inviting Kalamazoo County youth in grades fourth through 12th grades to join us for a four-part workshop series to write, edit, polish and perform their own monologues inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., our historical struggles for civil rights and our community MLK Day theme, "The time is always right to do what is right."
To ensure COVID-19 safety and to bolster access, this workshop series will be virtual and take place through Google Classroom. Writers met virtually with RAWK and Civic staff and volunteers November through the beginning of January and recorded their monologues the week of Jan. 10 to 14. The registration deadline has passed. The group’s finished performance will be available to stream on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 17, on the Kalamazoo Civic Facebook page and RAWK Facebook page.
RAWK and the Civic strongly value the thoughts, feelings and lived experiences of the youth of our communities and we are dedicated to supporting them in expressing themselves fully and authentically throughout this workshop process. We recognize that youth will be exploring heavy topics and their words may at times be challenging for some listeners but we are committed to holding space for youth to express themselves free from censorship. Contact the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre or Read and Write Kalamazoo for questions.
MLK Day Teach-In
Four sessions on the theme, "The time is always right to do what is right," will be held Monday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the South Ballroom, WMU Bernhard Center. It is free to attend or watch live here. The event is co-sponsored by TRHT (Truth, Racial, Healing, and Transformation) and WMU's Governmental Affairs. Contact the Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations for information.
- Session 1, 11 a.m. to noon, "It is always the right time to honor those who came before," a memorial to Reverend Min Mochizuki, the WMU campus minister who invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Western and Kalamazoo.
- Session 2, noon to 1 p.m., "It is always the right time to advocate for what is right," a Make Change panel discussion.
- Session 3, 1 to 2 p.m., "It is always the right time to advocate for what is right," a policy discussion featuring local, state and federal elected officials.
- Session 4, 2 to 3 p.m., "It is always the right time to learn from our past while advancing toward our future."
We Shall Not Be Moved: Stories and songs to celebrate resistance as a form of revolution
This engaging performance will highlight stories of resistance, resilience and transformation from history to the present. It will celebrate dynamic leaders and everyday people who have contributed to changing our world. In honor of the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we will gather to celebrate the impact of his commitment to social justice and radical change. The event will take place virtually on Monday, Jan. 17 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST. The event will be live streamed via this Vimeo link. Contact Rhiki Swinton and Julie Marron-Parker for questions.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Join the Volunteer Center of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo and the city of Kalamazoo on this annual day of service on Monday, Jan. 17. There will be a ceremony at MLK Park in the afternoon; T-shirts and lunch vouchers will be available at volunteer sites.
Sign up for volunteer opportunities by Friday, Jan. 14. Contact Jennifer Cooley for questions.
MLK Commemorative Laying of the Wreath Ceremony
Together, we can demonstrate acceptance and unity. The time is always right to do what is right! The laying of the wreath ceremony begins at 4:40 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, at the MLK Memorial Park. President Montgomery and community leaders will attend and make remarks. Contact Patricia Vargas with questions.
MLK Commemoration Dinner
Join Dining Services at the Valley Dining Center and Henry Grab'n Go on Monday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. for a commemorative dinner celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. Learn more and see what's on the menu by viewing dining events at the bottom of the website.
Meal plans cost $11.50 using Dining Dollars, cash or credit card. Contact Emily Hazel for questions.
Social Justice Virtual Art Exhibition 2022
View the exhibition that includes artwork created by high school students from Kalamazoo County around a variety of themes related to social justice. The exhibition curator is KRESA CTE Instructor Kellen Deau. Contact Kellen Deau for questions.
Social Justice Youth Awards
The city of Kalamazoo is proud to recognize students for their accomplishments and leadership in the areas of racial and social justice. Students from the Kalamazoo area between the ages of 12 to 19 have an opportunity to receive the Social Justice Youth Awards for activities, volunteerism and commitment to causes that promote justice and equity for everyone. Winners also receive a $300 scholarship and will be recognized by the City Commission as part of events commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the commission's meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m.
Nominations are accepted by adults who work with youth, such as teachers, advisors, mentors or coaches. The deadline for 2022 nominations has passed. The city of Kalamazoo presents a Social Justice Youth Award in honor of Dr. Lewis Walker, a trailblazer for the progression of racial equity in Kalamazoo. Additional awards are presented by the program sponsors including the city of Kalamazoo, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Consumers Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War (KNOW), Life EMS, Lodge-Dennis and Schupan & Sons.
Find more information. Contact Patricia Vargas or call (269) 226-6500 for questions. The ceremony will be live streamed via the city of Kalamazoo’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel, which will be available for viewing during the event as well on Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Beyond the Dream III
This virtual experience from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2, will be held in recognition of Black History Month and to celebrate this year's MLK community celebration. Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Office of Diversity Inclusion in collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement invite you
to attend “Beyond the Dream III,” a deeper look at the perspectives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on our nation, particularly throughout the South in 1967.
This college and communitywide conversation provides participants the opportunity to listen and share thoughts regarding Dr. King's philosophies and their relevance in today’s society. For accommodations and registration details, contact Trice Batson or Ezra Bell.