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Have A Dream: Round-Up Of MLK Day Activities In Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit is the place to be on Monday, Jan. 16, for celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marches, speakers and other events can be found all over the region for people who want to take some time to renew commitment to Dr. King's legacy of hope and justice.

Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan Law School, in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will talk about how Detroit and its residents fit into King's vision of economic justice.

Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh, New Detroit CEO Shirley R. Stancato, Excellent Schools Detroit CEO and 1994 Michigan Law grad Dan Varner, and Michigan Chronicle Senior Editor Bankole Thompson will explore the city's future between 3 and 5 p.m. in the Law School's new Robert B. Aikens Commons.

The forum will ask how city government, foundations, the media, not-for-profits, educators, banks, and the corporate sector can work together to define that future. Organizers will look beyond the national media sound bites, instead analyzing the complicated Detroit that exists in reality as Michigan's largest city.

Much work remains to be done in Detroit before King's economic vision becomes reality, said Martha S. Jones, an associate professor of history and Afroamerican and African Studies and an affiliated LS&A faculty member at the Law School who helped organize the event. But there's hope. The event also will be streamed live here.

Birmingham

The Race Relations & Diversity Task Force, a sponsored group of The Community House, and the North Oakland County Branch of the NAACP will host the twentieth "Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration," at 8 a.m. Monday at The Community House, 380 South Bates Street, Birmingham. The theme of this year's celebration is, "Why is it Taking So Long?" Musical entertainment will be provided by Brazeal Dennard Chorale.

General tickets are $25; Student tickets are $15. The event includes a hot plated breakfast.

For reservations, call The Community House, 248-644-5832. The Community House is located at 380 South Bates Street Birmingham, MI. Advance registration is advised. Seating is limited.

Bloomfield Hills

The Roeper School, a co-educational day school for gifted children, will gather community members to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Attendees will hear inspirational words, share a meal, enjoy entertainment and hear personal reflections on how Dr. King impacted their lives. The event will include several activities:

*5:30 p.m. – Meal of homemade soups and bread, as well as a canned food collection for Gleaners

*6:15 p.m. – Presentations to reflect on the life and accomplishments of Dr. King

*7:15 p.m. – Candlelight walk through campus and open forum to express thoughts and feelings surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. and his life.

The theme for the evening, "I will speak out" encompasses the idea of discrimination, and stresses the importance of not remaining silent or inactive in the face of prejudice and injustice. The Roeper School Community Center is at 41190 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills.

Detroit

Wesley Berry Flowers will be giving away dozens of roses for free Monday. But there is a catch. Wes Berry wants everyone who takes a dozen roses to promise to keep one rose and give away the others to 11 different people.

This is an opportunity to become acquainted with new people or renew old friendships, according to Berry. The locations are in the Penobscot Building in downtown Detroit, at 15305 Schoolcraft east of Greenfield, on Orchard Lake Road just south of Maple and on Haggerty Road north of Pontiac Trail.

Detroit

The Second Baptist Church of Detroit will present "Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr." to honor the memory of Dr. King Jr. on his holiday. The program will be held at the church, located at 441 Monroe (near Greektown) at 11 .m. Monday in downtown Detroit. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

Refreshments will be served following the program.

"Another exciting and enlighten program is planned, this year" said Ms. Betty Price, program chairperson. Dr. Rice is a well-known educator and community activist.

The featured entertainment for the program will include the Divine Revelations Liturgical Dancers, the Chrysler Elementary School Choir and the Male Choir of Second Baptist Church. Free parking will be available at the rear of the Church, and at 1001 Brush Street (between Monroe and E. Lafayette).

For more information, call Deacon Charity Hall, President of the Board of Christian Social Concerns, at 313-377-0066. The Second Baptist Church of Detroit was founded in 1836, one year before Michigan became a state, by 13 former slaves and free men and women. Since that time, the church has achieved many milestones, including:

•Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his father, Rev. King, Sr., spoke at Second Baptist Church on several occasions

•Abolitionist, Frederick Douglass spoke from its pulpit

•Former church home of Ralph Bunche, Under Secretary-General United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize recipient

•Established one of the first schools for African Americans in Detroit

•Church home of Ms. Fannie Richards, the first African American teacher in Detroit Public Schools •One of the final stops of the Underground Railroad for slaves escaping to Canada

•Listed as a National Historical Site by the National Register of Historical Places".

"We are proud of Second Baptist Church long history of actively fighting for freedom, equality and justice for African Americans. We invite all citizens to attend this momentous occasion", said Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Turman.

Detroit

An MLK Day rally and march will happen at noon Monday at Central United Methodist Church, Woodward at East Adams, with special guests, the contributors and editors of "Hands on the Freedom Plow." Get more information here.

The theme of this year's march and rally is "The Need to Escalate the Struggle for Jobs, Peace & Justice." Special guests will be five contributors and co-editors of the groundbreaking first-person account, "Hands on the Freedom Plow", which examined the strategic role of women within the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the vanguard organization of the Civil Rights Movement.

These keynote panelists will be Prof. Gloria House, Martha Prescod Norman Noonan, Marilyn Lowen, Dr. Gwen M. Patton and Jean Wiley. Also AFL-CIO Executive Vice-President Arlene Holt Baker will make a statement to the rally held inside the Historic Central United Methodist Church where Dr. King preached every year during the latter years of his life. In addition, the rally will include presentations by the Mosaic Youth Choir and the Matrix Theater.

After the march through downtown, a community meal and a cultural program will be held on the second floor of the Church. Performing at the cultural event will be Jessica Care Moore, Markita Moore, Tracey Morris, Sister Otis, Writer L. Bush, the KDJ Trio, among others.

This program is free and open to the public.

Detroit

Hundreds of labor, civil rights, and community activists will gather to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and continue the movement for economic and racial justice.

The weekend of activities will honor the legacy of Dr. King and recommit attendees to working toward economic and social justice for working families. Attendees will engage with families and community members hit hard by the recession during a day of community service projects around the city at local shelters, food banks, schools and social service centers.

A town hall meeting and a series of workshops will provide a forum for attendees to discuss and learn more about present civil and worker rights fights including attacks on voter rights, protecting public education, and organizing for job-creating legislation. The conference will also recognize leaders from the Detroit area, the faith community, local and federal government, and the labor movement who exemplify Dr. King. Featured speakers and awardees include: Rep. Hansen Clarke, Rep. John Conyers, national radio host Joe Madison, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, UAW Pres. Bob King, U.S Department of Labor Sec. Hilda L. Solis and AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker. The holiday march happens at 1:30 p.m. Monday, after a full roster of weekend events.

Detroit – DIA

The Detroit Institute of Arts is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with tours of the African American art collection among special activities offered. Events happen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first time the museum will be open on the MLK holiday, and visitors can enjoy the special activities listed below, which are free with museum admission.

*Family Fitting Room: 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Staff and volunteers create custom-made visits based on an individual's or a group's interests, providing maps and related materials to enhance the museum experience.

*Drop-In Workshops—Bookarts (for all ages): 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Create a simple book to use for stories, journals or drawings.

*Artist Demonstration: Fresco Painting with Hubert Massey: Noon–4 p.m. Kresge Artist Fellow Hubert Massey demonstrates how he creates his fresco works. Massey, a Michigan artist noted for collaborating with communities to create art that tells their stories, is one of the few African American artists painting in the true fresco style, a technique in which pigments are applied to plaster while it is still wet. His paintings and installations can be seen in Detroit at the Museum of African American History, Paradise Valley Park and Campus Martius.

*Guided Tours of the African American Art Collection: noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Take a guided tour of the African American art galleries, which feature works by artists such as Benny Andrews, Ali McGee, Tyree Guyton, Hughie Lee-Smith, Jacob Lawrence, and many others. Tours leave from the Family Fitting Room table in Prentis Court.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 62+, $4 for ages 6–17, and free for DIA members. For membership information, call 313-833-7971.

Detroit -- DPS

The community is invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 3rd Annual MLK Legacy March on Monday, with a rally, guided tours, skits and panel discussions — which begin at 9 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, 3200 E. Lafayette, Detroit, 48207.

More than 3,000 people are expected to participate, including students and staff from throughout the district, members of the mayor's office and Detroit City Council, DPS Emergency Manager Roy Roberts, legislators, Eastern High School alumni, local sororities and fraternities, the Freemasons, Eastern Stars, UAW, supporters from the Tri-County area, and many others.

Event Itinerary:

*8:30 a.m.: Doors of the School Open

*9 a.m.: Welcome Reception with music, performances, and pre-march celebratory activities.

*9:45 a.m.: Line-up for the march/rally

*10:00 a.m.: Rally will begin

*10:15 a.m.: Guided tours and skits begin/Participants will depart for the 1.5- mile march, which will start and end at King High School.

*Noon: Ceremony concludes

For those who are unable to participate in the march, panel discussions, exhibits, guided tours and skits commemorating the era of the march will take place inside of the school. Videos will also be shown in the new MLK Center. Warming stations will be set up along the March route.

For more details, contact the school office at 313-494-7373 or call Scott Alan Davis, event chair, at 313-556-2016.

Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoological Society is offering a discount of $2 off all regular-price admissions to the Detroit Zoo on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The discount is available only with a coupon, which can be printed off the Zoo's website at www.detroitzoo.org. Click on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day banner on the home page.

The national holiday is an ideal time to schedule a winter visit to the zoo. The Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, can often be seen basking in the warm steam from their hot tub on a frigid day. The Amur tigers, wolverines, red pandas, elk and bison also adapt well to colder weather.

Monday's forecast is calling for temperatures in the mid 30s.

A popular attraction in any type of weather is the Arctic Ring of Life with its 70-foot underwater Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage providing views of swimming polar bears and seals.

For a more tropical experience, visitors can take refuge in the Butterfly Garden where the temperature is always a cozy 75 degrees. Other indoor experiences at the zoo include the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Penguinarium, Holden Museum of Living Reptiles, Great Apes of Harambee, Mardigian River Otter Habitat and Meerkat Digs. The giraffe, white rhino, lemur and farm animal habitats also have indoor viewing areas. Special maps are available at the admission gate to help guests plan their winter visit to the Zoo.

Livonia

The City of Livonia Human Relations Commission and Madonna University Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs will host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at 6:45 p.m. Monday at the Livonia City Hall Auditorium, 33000 Civic Center Drive in Livonia.

The theme will be "The Richness of Global Diversity" and feature insights shared by a panel of Madonna University students from the Jordan, Lebanon, Armenia, Iraq and Egypt. Moderating the discussion will be Glenn Brooks of Madonna University. "Diversity is not just classified in terms of the races of black and white," Brooks said. "But it's an issue, it's a topic that spans worldwide. And we use that forum as a place to address those issues."

The celebration also features musical selections provided by the Livonia Public Schools' Creative and Performing Arts students under the direction of Lori Porter. A short reception will follow in the atrium of the City Hall, where panelists will be available for further discussions and refreshments will be served. A candlelight walk will begin the celebration, starting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Civic Center Library and heading to City Hall.

The event will also feature an introduction by Elaine Livingway, Mistress of Ceremonies, and welcome comments by Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey and Madonna University President Rose Marie Kujawa. American Legion Post No. 32 will present the Colors and Sister Anita Taddonio, Director of Campus Ministry at Madonna University, will offer a prayer.

For more details on the celebration, contact the Livonia Community Resources Office at 734-466-2540 or the mayor's office at 734-466-2201.

Macomb County

The Macomb County Ministerial Alliance (McMA) will once again celebrate the MLK Jr. holiday by having prominent county politicians and business owners to serve the homeless who are presently being fed and sheltered by selected churches in the county.

The event will take place at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, 400 Clinton River Drive, Mount Clemens, on January 16th, from 7 to 10 p.m.

"As we did last year, McMA has made the selected choice to not be fed, but to feed; to not receive, but to give" said Rev. Terrence Standifer, vice president of the Alliance. "Because we cannot solve the present national malady alone, what we do in celebration of Dr. King's holiday is but a symbolic gesture of the intent of our heart and we thank all of the shelters, political leaders and business owners who have partnered with us to make this event a success."

Macomb County

Join students from Macomb Community College who will be volunteering on their day off Monday to give back to the community in honor of Martin Luther King and his vision. At least 100 students will be in attendance at three separate locations from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. The locations are 36496 Oakshire in Clinton Township; 23068 David in Eastpointe; and 34089 Tyler in Sterling Heights.

The college is encouraging faculty, staff and students to give of their time in Macomb County to show "Unity of Community." Volunteers are more than welcome to "raise the roof and lift some spirits!"

For more information on the Martin Luther King Build contact Macomb County Habitat for Humanity at  586-263-1540.

Rochester

With the 20th anniversary of the annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards Celebration approaching, Oakland University prepares to welcome distinguished lyricist Common as the keynote speaker.

Best known as a hip hop artist and poet, Common has grown into an actor, author and role model, offering a message of love and self-respect. His introspective rhymes have pushed boundaries with their incisive social commentary, and his lyrics promote family ethics, racial understanding and pride in one's self.

Oakland's Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards celebration honors the legacy of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration recognizes students who exemplify Dr. King's vision, and reward their efforts in promoting interracial acceptance and understanding.

Established in 1993, Keeper of the Dream provides scholarships up to $5,000 for students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and promoting interracial understanding. Since its inception, more than 50 students from a wide variety of academic majors have been awarded scholarships.

This year's celebration is set for 11 a.m. on Monday in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. For more information about the Keeper of the Dream event, call the Center for Multicultural Initiatives at 248- 370-4404.

Romulus

The annual Rev. Martin Luther King celebration will be held January 16 in the city of Romulus. This celebration is one of the largest in the region. Romulus, Romulus Community Schools, Romulus Ministerial Alliance and the community will unite to pay tribute to the late Rev. King with a march and celebration.

Beginning at 7 a.m., the public is invited to park your vehicle at Romulus High School, 9650 Wayne Road, and take a shuttle to Cory School at 35200 Smith Road, off Wayne Road. There will be some refreshments and a short program before the march begins at 8 a.m. Participants will walk south down Wayne Road to the High School, where a continental breakfast will be served from 8 to 9:15 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., a program of celebration and tribute will be held in the high school auditorium.

This year's keynote speaker is David Merrit, entrepreneur and former University of Michigan basketball captain.

Southfield Peace Walk

The city of Southfield and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force will host the 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Peace Walk Celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway.

The peace walk will depart from Hope United at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. program at the Southfield Pavilion, located in the Southfield Municipal Complex, 26000 Evergreen Road. The program will include remarks from Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, 46th District Court Judge Shelia Johnson, Southfield/Farmington Hills NAACP Branch President Dr. Jonice Crawford Butler and MLK Task Force President Barbara Seldon as well as the "Civil Rights: Today's Generation" presentation by Attorney W. Anthony Jenkins of Dickinson Wright PLLC.

The event will also feature musical performances by Davis Glouff, the Zamir Chorale of Metropolitan Detroit, Korean drummers, and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in addition to dance performances by the Latin Dance Troupe, the Sun-mi Choi Korean Dancers and the Hindu Temple Rhythms. The program will conclude with the presentation of the 2012 MLK Community Service Award, the administration of the Peace Pledge by MLK Task Force founding member Barbara Talley, and the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

Southfield was the first city in the state of Michigan to hold a Dr. King peace walk or march. The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk took place on January 20, 1986, commemorating the first national observance of Dr. King's birthday. The walk continues to grow in size and scope each year, with year-long educational and community outreach activities. For more information, call the MLK Task Force hotline at 248-827-9119 or visit www.mlktaskforcemi.org.

Westland

Mayor William R. Wild is pleased to announce that the City of Westland's annual MLK Ceremony will be held at the Westland Friendship Center, located at 1119 N. Newburgh between Ford and Marquette, at 9 a.m. Monday.

The public is invited to attend this free event and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Kevin Buford will be the Master of Ceremonies. This year's ceremony, which is the 14th in the city's history, promises uplifting performances and inspiring words all in remembrance of Dr. King's legacy.

Students of the Wayne-Westland School District have been invited to enter various creative projects honoring Dr. King, which will be on display. This year's program includes musical selections by the John Glenn and Wayne Memorial High School Choirs. Anthony Lucas, a historical presenter from Henry Ford's Greenfield Village, will be delivering excerpts from Dr. King's most famous speeches.

The invocation will be delivered by Suffragan Bishop Luke A. McClendon, Pastor of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. A slide show commemorating the unveiling of the national monument honoring King's life will be shown.

"In August 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opened in Washington D.C. and the monument is a true tribute to the monumental changes that Dr. King has brought to this world," stated Mayor Wild. Attendees are invited to light refreshments that will be served following the ceremony.

Ypsilanti

Eastern Michigan University will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and legacy during the annual MLK President's Luncheon Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. Lani Guinier, a civil rights attorney and the first tenured African American woman professor at Harvard University, will deliver the keynote before the luncheon starting at 10 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The luncheon will start at 11:45 a.m. in the ballroom where there will be a presentation of the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards.

Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for faculty, staff and other community members. MLK Day celebrations run Thursday, Jan. 12 through Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Events for the celebration include:

• Jan. 12: Storytellers: Health Disparities, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., room 352 of the Student Center

•Jan. 13: 11th Annual Color of Drums: When Believing is the Last Resort. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 7:30 p.m. in Pease Auditorium

•Jan. 13: MLK Lock-In for EMU Students, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Rec/IM

•Jan. 14: "H2E" Student Talent Showcase and Scholarship Competition. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. in Pease Auditorium.

•Jan. 16: MLK Breakfast, 7:45 a.m., room 300 of the Student Center

•Jan. 16: Keynote Address, 10 a.m., Student Center Auditorium (with overflow in 310 Student Center)

•Jan. 16: Close-Up Theater Troupe presentation, 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., Student Center Auditorium

•Alpha Phi Alpha March: 6-6:30 p.m., departing from the South entrance of the Student Center

•Jan. 17, 2011: Book discussion of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s book, "The Strength of Love," 5 p.m., Student Center Auditorium

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