Page 3 - MLK 2024 Booklet

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Commission of Mid-Michigan

January 15, 2024

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, thank you for your
support and commitment to the work of the Commission and for joining us today at the 39
th
annual Day of Celebration!

I am extraordinarily humbled and honored to welcome Ms. Ruby Bridges to our community, and
I am especially looking forward to hearing about her work of reconciliation and healing. We have
Andy Schor been extraordinarily blessed as a community to have received the wisdom of so many of our
Mayor, City of Lansing national civil rights treasures and Ms. Bridges continues in that tradition.

George Brookover
Mayor, City of East Lansing Ruby, who at age six was escorted by federal marshals and harassed by a violent, angry mob, to
integrate New Orleans Public Schools. Her image has become enshrined in the American
Elaine Hardy conscience as the subject of Norman Rockwell’s print, “The Problem We All Live With.” It leads
Chairperson
one to marvel at her capacity to share her story with the world, not as a beleaguered child, but
Tristan Wright as an activist who is equipping the children of today to lead us into a brighter tomorrow.
Vice Chairperson
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall said, “The measure of a country’s greatness is its
Tony Baltimore
1 Vice Chairperson ability to retain compassion in times of crisis.” These remarks after the 1954 Supreme Court
st
decision to desegregate schools reminded the nation that we are called to rise above the chaos
Steve Japinga and move forward in unity. As I look at the state of unrest in the world, the polarization of our
Treasurer
politics and renewed challenges to freedom, I am now more firmly committed to uplifting the
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison teachings of Dr. King, to show compassion in disagreement and to remain stalwart to the ideals
Secretary
of freedom and justice. Just like Dr. King, I believe Justice Marshall calls our nation to look to our
Kwafo Adarkwa better angels as we navigate the space we are in now.
Ron Bacon
Dr. Bryan Beverly Today, I challenge you to renew and share Dr. King’s optimism for our country and our world, not
Fonda Brewer
Michael Flowers because of ideas enshrined on historic manuscripts, but because you believe in the dreams
Bob Hoffman enshrined in your own heart and our collective ability to make them a reality for us all.
Dr. Lee June
Lonnie Lee
Dr. Denise Maybank I am honored to have served as Chairperson for the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
Rosa Moss-Hargrove Please join me in thanking the 20 community heroes who have committed themselves to
Nicole Noll-Williams preserving the legacy of Dr. King and to making this event a success.
Geraldine Potter
Anthony Winston
Sincerely,
Mia McNeil
Legal Counsel Elaine J. Hardy, Chairperson
Emeritus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan
James W Butler III
Bruce McAttee

39th Annual MLK Day of Celebration • 3