Alma College celebrates MLK Day

NAYONIKAA SINGHAAL
PHOTOGRAPHER

EMMA FIGLEWICZ
PHOTO EDITOR

1/20/2025

Alma College is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year with a series of events designed to celebrate his vision for equality, justice and community. Throughout the week students, faculty, and staff will come together to participate in a variety of activities that not only reflect on the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement but also encourage reflection and action on today’s social issues. 

“The main goal for our events is to engage the campus and community with acts of service, opportunities to learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. King and to become more unified as a community starting off the 2025 academic year,” said Jonathan Glenn, Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

The events will kick off on Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. with a guest lecture by the Honorable Judge Marlena E. Taylor of the 36th District Court. In addition to this keynote, the Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) Office has organized several other events for students to participate in.

The events include the MLK Blood Drive, Assemble Basic Hygiene Kits for Gratiot County, MLK Day Read United, MLK Day Afternoon Panel, MLK Hall of Fame, Campus Conversations: Anxiety in Politics and the MLK Evening Panel. 

“I believe all of these programs will assist any student who wants to engage in a special experience. Every opportunity was created with them in mind,” said Glenn. 

Although Alma College grants students a day off from classes in observance of MLK Day, many choose not to participate in the events organized by the DEI Office, treating the day as just another “day off” rather than engaging with the meaningful programs and reflections surrounding Dr. King’s legacy. 

“Because it’s a day off, some students decide to travel home for a long weekend, or they make other plans around rest and relaxation. Of course, there is nothing wrong with those decisions, but from a programming point of view, we could lose a lot of students because of this,” said Glenn. 

The DEI Office is hopeful that a majority of students will remain on campus and actively participate in the MLK events. 

“Our poetry night and Unity Ball are usually attended by a good number of individuals from across campus. MLK Day, with it being a day off, is the hardest hurdle. For the last few years our numbers for the Brunch have been amazing, so I’m hoping students will use the ‘day off’ as a chance to learn more about the life and example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Glenn. 

In planning the events for the week, the DEI Office aimed to create an environment where everyone feels seen and welcomed.

The message of unity Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. conveyed is one that resonates with all students, regardless of their cultural or personal experiences, and the DEI Office is committed to ensuring that MLK programming reflects this inclusive vision.

“The message of unity from Dr. King is for all students no matter what their cultural or personal experiences are. We truly believe these are the opportunities that allow us to grow and become the global citizens and leaders we were destined to be” said Glenn. 

“Our programs are also meant for people to see glimpses of themselves at our institution. Our MLK programming is open to all identities no matter what they are. And we hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunities to grow and learn,” said Glenn. 

Events will end on Jan. 24 with Alma College’s Unity Ball where students will be able to enjoy food, music and awards.