MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan

04/30/2026

From our Chair Elaine Hardy on the Supreme Court's ruling on the Civil Rights Act:

The Voting Rights Act stands as a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, securing for Black Americans meaningful access to the sacred right to vote—a right guaranteed to every citizen, yet too often denied.

Since its inception, protections for this fundamental right have faced continued challenges. With the 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder, the death march toward the abolition of this right for Black Americans began yesterday. The United States Supreme Court has now attempted to seal the coffin—or so they think.

We, as a nation, have been here before. We have a divine blueprint to help us navigate the waters of injustice. I firmly believe this is a temporary setback in the inevitable march toward freedom that this country has embarked upon.

We remain optimistic. We remain vigilant. And we remain in the fight.

Plus, the justices heard argument on Wednesday on the Trump administration’s effort to revoke temporary protected status from Syrian and Haitian nationals.

04/04/2026

Today, we pause to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Dr. King’s leadership helped move our nation forward during one of its most defining chapters. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence continues to challenge and inspire us today.

As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded that the work is not finished. Each of us has a role to play in building stronger communities—where opportunity is accessible, voices are heard, and people are treated with dignity and respect.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

Let’s honor Dr. King not only in remembrance, but through action.

02/17/2026

On behalf of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Michigan, we join the nation and the world in mourning the passing of civil rights legend Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to advancing justice, equality, and opportunity for all. His tireless advocacy for civil rights, economic empowerment, and nonviolent social change leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life and leadership.

May we honor his memory by continuing the work of justice and unity in our own communities. - Chair Elaine Hardy

(Picture Credit: Bob Fitch photography archive, © Stanford University Libraries, October 8, 1941)

02/04/2026

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan was honored and proud to be part of this powerful unveiling on Transit Equity Day at the Michigan State Capitol.

Our Chair, Elaine Hardy, and 1st Vice Chair, Tony Baltimore, were grateful to provide remarks and stand alongside community partners to honor the enduring legacy of Rosa Parks during the unveiling of the Rosa Parks Tribute Bus by the CATA - Capital Area Transportation Authority

The Commission was especially honored to welcome Dr. Eugene Parnell and his wife, Mrs. Yvone Parnell, of East Lansing, as special guests. As students at Alabama State College (as it was known at the time), Dr. and Mrs. Parnell were participants in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and generously shared personal stories of their work and experiences in the Civil Rights Movement.

This meaningful tribute commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for civil rights, dignity, and equity continues — including the importance of fair, affordable, and accessible public transportation for all.

We thank CATA and all who joined us to remember the past and reaffirm our commitment to a more just and inclusive future.

(Photos courtesy of CATA and 1st Chair Baltimore)

02/02/2026

For Black History Month 2026, The King Center, in partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, is amplifying the Center and its influence on history, the present, and the future.

In the month of February, Clear Channel Outdoor billboards in several U.S. cities will feature weekly Black History Month prompts about The King Center, along with themes that highlight Black history and are essential to Black progress.

We will also share our Black History Month 2026 campaign at https://thekingcenter.org/black-history-month/ and on The King Center’s social media platforms.

Follow on Threads, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

01/29/2026

Thank you to Lansing Community College for welcoming our Chair, Elaine Hardy, to speak on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We are grateful for LCC’s continued commitment to education, dialogue, and honoring Dr. King’s vision of justice, service, and community. Engaging students and the campus community in these conversations helps ensure Dr. King’s legacy continues to inspire action today and for generations to come.

Thank you for being a valued partner in keeping Dr. King’s dream alive.

01/23/2026

🎥 ICYMI: The City of Lansing TV recorded the 2026 MLK Day of Celebration!

Relive the powerful messages, inspiring performances, and moments of reflection from this year’s celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan.

👉 Watch the full program here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE7i1-ArgFs

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this day so meaningful. Please like, share, and continue the conversation as we carry Dr. King’s vision forward in our community.

Each year, hundreds of folks pour into the Lansing Center to celebrate the life, lessons and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The 2025 luncheon ...

01/22/2026

This past Monday, our community came together for a powerful and inspiring 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration in Lansing. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support that made the 2026 Day of Celebration such a meaningful success.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream,” the program reminded us of Dr. King’s enduring call to action and our shared responsibility to carry his legacy forward. The celebration was held at the Lansing Center and featured moving performances by the Detroit Youth Choir and the Urban Art Orchestra, whose music uplifted and inspired throughout the program.

We were honored to hear powerful keynote messages from civil rights activist Diane Nash and Kyra Harris Bolden, and to welcome distinguished guests including U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and many elected officials from across our region.

We were also proud to recognize our scholarship recipients, the future leaders who will continue advancing justice, equity, and service in our communities. Additional moments of reflection included honoring Maxine Hankins Cain with the Legacy of Service Award and Larry Johnson with the Keeper of the Dream Award.

📸 We will continue sharing photos from the celebration, but here are some initial highlights. If you attended and have photos to share, please post them in the comments and help us continue celebrating this powerful day together.

01/21/2026

What a powerful and inspiring evening at the MLK Speakers Reception at Cowles House on the campus of Michigan State University this past Sunday.

We are deeply grateful to MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz for graciously hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, along with our incredible speakers — Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and legendary civil rights activist Dr. Diane Nash. Their presence and words set the tone for a meaningful weekend of reflection, justice, and action.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who make this annual reception — and the broader work of the MLK Commission — possible year after year. Your continued support helps bring our community together to honor Dr. King’s legacy and advance his vision.

Photos from the Day of Celebration are coming soon — please tag yourself and others and help us continue to celebrate!

01/19/2026

Today is the SOLD OUT 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration at the Lansing Center.

🕥 Doors open: 10:15 a.m.
🕚 Program begins promptly: 11:00 a.m.

🎟️ Please remember to bring your tickets.
➡️ If your tickets are at Will Call, please head there upon arrival.

🚗 Parking:
There is plenty of parking available at the Lansing Center, as well as on-street parking. Since today is a holiday, city parking is not enforced.

With winter weather impacting travel, we ask everyone to give themselves some grace today, take your time, and arrive safely. We are grateful to gather with you as we honor Dr. King’s legacy and continue the work of justice, service, and unity.