Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that “What are you doing for others?” was “life’s most persistent and urgent question,” according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
On Monday, Jan. 19, students, staff, and the community will come together to give back, create unity, and ultimately create answers to his question.
“It’s important to remember what he did every day, it goes beyond the day we don’t have class and the week of celebrations,” Sports Communications junior Breia Harris said. “‘Oh, it’s a day off of class, I’m not going to do anything’—that’s the attitude some people have, unfortunately.”
Ten different eye-opening events will be held at Ferris over the week of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. A full list of the events is available at www.ferris.edu/mlk.
“The mission of these events is to bring unity to the campus,” TDMP senior Ronny Latimore said. “There has been a lot going on here in Big Rapids and out in the world. We want to show that one man had a dream and we are all unified by his legacy. Some of the events bring racial awareness and will hopefully minimize stereotypes and possibly open up our minds to others.”
Elementary Education senior Chelsey Carpenter said that she is “really excited” for Culture Shock, on Monday Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in Williams Auditorium. The event is aimed at exposing cultural misconceptions through “Racial Hypnosis.”
“It will be interesting to see a different spin on [hypnosis] focusing on different cultures,” Carpenter said.
Faculty, staff, and students will also have the opportunity to compete in a Charity Basketball Event on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. in Wink Arena. The cost of admission is one canned good, and proceeds will benefit the Big Rapids community.
MLK Day reminds Intramural and Club Sports Coordinator Fernando Labra of the importance of giving back though community service.
“For me, it means to remember what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. accomplished and reflect on what I can do to continue building upon those accomplishments,” said Labra.
A MLK Student Tribute & Unity Ball will take place in the brand new University Center on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Students will be able to showcase MLK-inspired presentations at the Tribute.
Carpenter plans to participate for the 4th year in a row.
“It’s always a good opportunity to be creative and honor such a legendary man,” Carpenter said.
After the Student Tribute will be a semi-formal Unity Ball from 8 to 11 p.m. that will include live music, light refreshments, and a variety of displays that showcase “unity” from Ferris students.
Harris is expecting a big turnout for the Tribute & Unity Ball.
“It’s not just about Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Harris said. “Organizations can show how they feel about unity, inclusion, and diversity—it’s perfect for students to get involved.”
Labra highly encourages students to attend at least an event or two
“OMSS and the MLK committee have some great events planed that will be both enlightening and entertaining,” Labra said. “I hope to see many students at the events.”
For more information on MLK Day at Ferris, search “MLK Celebration at Ferris State Univ.”