Three local colleges partner for MLK Day event Jan. 15

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·2 min read
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GRAND RAPIDS — Three local colleges will partner for an event to commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. next week.

Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University will bring author and educator Melissa Harris-Perry to Grand Rapids to serve as the keynote speaker Monday, Jan. 15.

Harris-Perry will speak at 6 p.m. Monday at Fountain Street Church — 24 Fountain St. NE in Grand Rapids — as part of the 38th Annual Community Celebration. The event is free and open to the public, and can be streamed online at vimeo.com/event/4004571.

Harris-Perry is the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University in the Department of Politics and International Affairs; the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; and the Program in Environment and Sustainability.

Melissa Harris-Perry
Melissa Harris-Perry

She's also the founder and president of the Anna Julia Cooper Center, which seeks to advance justice through “intersectional scholarship and action.” Harris-Perry has written multiple award-winning books.

“At a time when our world is filled with violence and conflict, it’s more important than ever to reflect on and be inspired by the life and lessons of Dr. King,” GVSU President Philomena Mantella wrote in a release. “Higher education plays an important role in developing inclusivity and equity and we’re honored to partner with GRCC and Davenport on this important event.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

GRCC President Charles Lepper said partnership is important.

“By joining forces, we have the power to cultivate a profound sense of belonging and establish an inclusive, hospitable, and respectful environment not only within our campuses but also across the globe," he wrote.

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Richard Pappas, president of Davenport University, said the collaboration provides hope despite societal struggles.

“We come together as a community and commit publicly to be inclusive and embrace diversity,” he wrote. “We find strength in our joint mission to keep fighting injustice and magnifying what we know to be good and what we hear in Dr. King's timeless message.”

Harris-Perry will also speak at GVSU at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, and at Davenport University during an event at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Grand Valley will continue to host events honoring King through Jan. 20. Visit gvsu.edu for more information.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Three local colleges partner for MLK Day event Jan. 15