Lake Michigan College invites the public to participate in a series of free events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Monday in Benton Harbor: Breakfast Celebration and Awards Ceremony

On Monday, Jan. 18 LMC will host its 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration and Awards Ceremony at The Mendel Center.

The college will announce the recipient of its 15th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Award.

Speakers include Congressman Fred Upton and Diversity Consultant, Danny E. Sledge. Award-winning student essays will be presented by Rolando Hernandez of Eau Claire, Lionel Kanyowa of the United Kingdom, and Anna Silcox of St. Joseph.

Musical selections will be performed by All God’s Children Community Choir, the LMC Concert Choir directed by Brad Krueger, and the ISM Youth Choir.

The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. The ceremony runs from 8 until 9:30 a.m. followed by an invitation to participate in a community service project benefitting local food pantries.

Guests are asked to RSVP by contacting Kathy Tebell at (269) 927-6197 or tebell@lakemichigancollege.edu by Friday, January 15.

Monday in South Haven: Day of Service and Luncheon

A Day of Service will be held at the South Haven High School on Monday, Jan. 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

Students and volunteers from the community are invited to help members of the South Haven Diversity Coalition prepare two tons of rice for distribution to five area food pantries.

A luncheon attended by State Representative, Aric Nesbitt and sponsored by South Haven Public Schools will include South Haven High School student presentations on Dr. King’s impact on the communities he lived in and the traits he wanted to instill in those communities.

Contact Jeremy Burleson at (269) 637-7514 or jburleson@lakemichigancollege.edu to RSVP.

Tuesday Film Viewing at LMC-Benton Harbor

The film, Selma, will be shown on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. at LMC’s Napier Avenue Campus in the Brown Lecture Hall located in D-105 on the Richard J. Pappas Student Service Center lower level.

Selma traces Martin Luther King, Jr.’s epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, that culminated in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Wednesday Race Relations Council Forum at LMC-Benton Harbor

A Race Relations Council Forum on “Confronting Racial Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination” will be held Wednesday, Jan. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at LMC’s Napier Avenue Campus in the Brown Lecture Hall located in D-105 on the Richard J. Pappas Student Service Center lower level.

The forum will address constructive ways to confront racial stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in whatever forms they may appear. The panel will present principles and illustrations for constructive confrontation. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the discussions and are welcome to bring a lunch.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an important opportunity to revisit the lessons and inspiration of this great leader,” said Lake Michigan College President, Dr. Jennifer Spielvogel. “LMC is honored to provide the time and space for students, employees, and community members to reflect on the historical impact of Dr. King, as well as the continued timeliness of his philosophies.”

For more information about MLK Jr. events at LMC, contact Kathy Tebell at (269) 927-6197 or tebell@lakemichigancollege.edu.