Ferris State was filled with events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy.
One of the highlights was a spoken word event titled “Metamorphosis: A Time To Change.” Author and Ferris alumnus Mike Sears shared several spoken word pieces honoring King while calling for social change. Throughout the performance, Sears contrasted his own life with that of King.
Born on the East Side of Detroit, Sears grew up in a community plagued by violence and drug addiction. These challenges shaped his desire to pursue education and contribute to the positive change he believes is necessary. “What I learned, even at an early age, is that challenges are part of life. We have to find ways to overcome those challenges,” Sears said. He credits God as the force behind his mission to help others.
After graduating high school, Sears attended Ferris’ School of Technology. It soon became clear to him that his true passion lay elsewhere, and he switched his major to business before eventually settling on music industry management, earning his degree in 2000.
Through his spoken word pieces, Sears emphasized the transformative power of change, encouraging people to rise above their circumstances. His words, filled with inspiring language, called for personal growth and social progress.
“What comes from the heart touches the heart,” Sears said.
The theme of metamorphosis and the power of change has been life-changing for Sears. The change propelled him out of difficult circumstances and empowered him to inspire others to do the same.
“One challenge was leaving the neighborhood, coming to college, getting an education and being able to turn around and help educate others,” Sears said.
Although Sears enjoys sharing his work with the world, the performance is not the most important part to him.
“I love just hearing people’s responses and how they enjoyed it and appreciate it because it’s never about me,” Sears said. “So when I can hear other people express their gratitude or being able to receive something from anything that I’ve done, it’s rewarding.”
The event also featured several young poets, each presenting original pieces carrying powerful messages about the need for inclusion and social change.
Among them was Jakail Strickland, a junior at Big Rapids High School. Strickland, a member of the school’s Diversity Initiative Club, plans to attend Ferris after graduation. He was excited to speak at the event.
“I’m really passionate about speaking on Black history and including everyone, no matter their color, race or gender,” Strickland said.
Strickland also cited his faith in God as a key motivator for his efforts to improve the lives of those around him. This belief drives him to spread love and help others.
“Everyone falls short of God’s will, but luckily, he forgives us and knows we’re going to make mistakes,” Strickland said.
The event centered on diversity and inclusion, with Sears’ spoken word pieces, serving as the main focus. His personal story resonated deeply with many in the audience.
There was also the presentation of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award to Ferris’ Dean of Student Life Lina Blair. The award recognizes Blair’s significant contributions to social justice efforts at the university, particularly in providing relief for Ferris students in need.
“This is a space to build community and for people to reflect on what’s being shared, as well as, in this case, get motivated to become action-oriented,” Blair said.
Among those in attendance was Dr. David Pilgrim, Ferris State’s vice president for diversity, inclusion and strategic initiatives. Pilgrim is also the founder of the Jim Crow Museum at the university. He was moved by Sears’ words and the event’s powerful message.
“There is a lot of trepidation right now in the culture, especially among groups that have historically been mistreated. Events like tonight are designed to encourage people and give them hope,” Pilgrim said.
The power of unity was showcased through shared ideals, including personal and social change. Through his spoken word, Sears demonstrated the importance of growth and change, drawing parallels between his journey and King’s. Both Sears and King share a passion for helping others and striving toward the social progress necessary for peace and unity.
The event marked just one of many tributes to King’s life and work while underscoring a critical message: the journey toward social progress is not only collective but deeply personal, urging each of us to embrace change in our own lives to build a better future for all.