MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

JACKSON, MI -- An attempted marijuana deal turned into a robbery in Jackson Wednesday night, police said. At about 9:52 p.m. May 3, officers from the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to the 1100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for a reported armed robbery.

PORTAGE, MI -- A new green space with special plaques is opening in Portage in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park will include a fountain, sculptures and plaques in honor of the Civil Rights leader, according to plans presented to the Portage City Council Tuesday, April 26. The park is being constructed on a .52-acre parcel of donated land on Constitution Boulevard between Westnedge Avenue and Oakland Drive. Funded by the city’s capital improvements budget, the project is expected to be complete by fall, according to the city. May forecast is not your friendWhy spring is one of the best times to hike this Sleeping Bear Dunes trail

The long-range plans include rehab of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pedestrian Bridge, and expansion of the Opportunity Center and Navarre Library.

JACKSON, MI -- Jackson College has announced a new keynote speaker for its rescheduled 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. “We are excited to have her on board to be our keynote,” said Kelly Crum, the college’s chief diversity officer. Related: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Jackson College postponed due to rise in COVIDWisdom is speaking in place of Paula Autry, former president/CEO of Henry Ford Allegiance Health. Autry recently left Henry Ford Health System for a career change, Crum said. This year’s theme for the MLK Celebration is “The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.: Purpose, Commitment, Justice.” The event will include the presentation of the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award to Monica Pierce, a longtime educator and Jackson resident.

A man wanted in connection to a Florida homicide has connections to two Upper Peninsula cities. According to the Sarasota Police Department, 22-year-old Johnny D. Evans is considered armed and dangerous. He is wanted in connection to a murder that occurred in the 1900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota on Jan. 6. Police say he has connections to Wakefield and Bessemer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, as well as Greenville, Mississippi and Perry, Florida. The Ironwood Public Safety Department and the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office are both making residents aware of Evans’ connections to the region.

Annual tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took a controversial turn in the Port Huron Area School District this week.

YPSILANTI, MI — As many residents spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrating the slain civil rights leader through various events in Washtenaw County, the commemorations are continuing in Ypsilanti. The city is hosting a virtual event to honor King and his work from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21. The online event features a discussion of the era of civil rights activism, moderated by Ypsilanti Mayor Lois Allen-Richardson and Judy Jackson. During the virtual discussion, King will be recognized for his work, leadership service and vision for freedom, according to a news release. To join the online discussion, click on the Zoom link here.

U.S. Steel in Ecorse awarded Jeremiah North and others with its 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Champion Award.

Community members gathered in downtown Monroe Tuesday to march for peace and unity in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The sixth week of Michigan’s boys high school basketball season featured many marquee matchups involving Kalamazoo-area schools, with the headliner happening at River Rouge, where Kalamazoo Central defeated Hamtramck, 69-61, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Classic. That signature win boosted K-Central in the latest Kalamazoo-area prep hoops power rankings, but the Maroon Giants were far from the only team to climb heading into Week 7.

The annual freedom walk in Westland this morning, likely no real difference from the many events to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

SAGINAW, MI — Community leaders and residents from across the region returned to downtown Saginaw Monday, Jan. 17, for the first Martin Luther King Jr. In support of the march, Delta College basketball team Head Coach Vincent Turner and his team took part in the demonstration. “Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and the civil rights movement is very important,” Foxx said. · Lula R. Woodard, an English instructor at Delta College, received the Spirit of Dr. King Award. ”And Delta College is part of Saginaw community, so I wanted get as many of the athletes out here as possible to show we are part of the community.

Just a couple days removed from their meeting in Motown, the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres wrap up their home-and-home set with a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee in upstate New York on Monday. A perfect balanced attacked led to the Red Wings on home ice on Saturday night. Tyler Bertuzzi and Robby Fabbri each scored power play goals in the first period, with Bertuzzi potting his team-leading 18th goal of the season. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamMichael Rasmussen scored his fourth goal of the season, while Nedeljkovic stopped all 22 shots he faced, earning his first shutout as a Red Wing. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Detroit Red Wings (17-17-5) vs. Buffalo Sabres (11-20-6)When: Monday, January 17Time: 1:00 p.m.

In this special video presentation from New Detroit, a group of local voices discuss the way forward on race relations, and share some of their experiences with racism.

JACKSON, MI -- Babbie Mason encouraged attendees at the MLK Diversity Celebration to keep their dreams alive like Martin Luther King Jr.“There is no expiration date on your dreams. In her speech that closed with a musical performance, Mason also encouraged attendees to tap into their potential and live with purpose. Part of the proceeds from the event benefitted Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization committed to building empathy and compassion in our communities. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Vacant Jackson fire station has reopened, but improvements are needed, officials sayI-94 lanes closing for a day in Jackson CountyPets of the week: Cali is a smart cookie. Stella has a degree in biscuit makingVehicle stolen in Jackson County recovered after police chase

JACKSON COUNTY, MI — The official Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday is Monday, Jan. 17, but Jackson-area events celebrating the slain civil rights leader are beginning soon. The MLK Diversity Celebration also features a gallery of artwork by students in Jackson County illustrating quotes from King’s most famous sermons and speeches. This year’s event will recognize Jackson Public Schools educator and administrator, Monica Pierce, as the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award recipient. MLK Day of Service and Art ContestThe Jackson County Branch NAACP is hosting its yearly Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on from 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17. If you have information on another Martin Luther King Jr. event in Jackson County or surrounding areas and would like to be added to the list, email Britney Snyder at BSnyder@mlive.com.

SAGINAW, MI — Community leaders and educators will receive recognition next week during the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Participants then will walk to The Dow Event Center, where an 11 a.m. program will honor King as well as three Saginaw leaders who represent the Civil Rights icon’s legacy today. Those honored will include the following individuals:Bob Johnson, editor of The Saginaw News and The Bay City Times, will receive the MLK Jr. Community Service Award. Tickets remain available for The Dow Event Center gathering for $40. Foxx, president of the chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity organizing the event, said a video recording of the Dow Event Center event will be uploaded later in the day to Facebook.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Cheryl Brown Henderson, whose father’s Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case ended legal segregation in public schools, is the keynote speaker for a free downtown event celebrating the Rev. “Cheryl’s presentation will inspire attendees to take on persistent barriers to advancing educational equity. The event will be held in accordance with local, state and/or federal COVID-19 guidelines. Officials say Brown’s foundation also worked successfully with Congress in 1990 to establish the Brown v. Board of Education National Park in Topeka, which opened in May 2004. In 2001, Brown worked with Congress again to create the “Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Commission” to advise the Secretary of Education on activities to help celebrate the historic decision.

JACKSON, MI – Jackson College is postponing its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration after a rise of COVID-19 cases across the state. The college planned to host its annual community celebration on Jan. 15, but it’s now being postponed until sometime in the spring, college officials said. The date of the rescheduled event will be announced at a later date. Tickets already purchased for this event will be honored for the rescheduled spring event. This year’s event will recognize longtime Jackson Public Schools educator and administrator Monica Pierce as the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award recipient.

The Senate will try to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and will consider filibuster rule changes if the voting-rights bill fails, Chuck Schumer said.

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the public is invited to The Helm to view a documentary honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The documentary, "King: Man of

JACKSON, MI — The Jackson County Branch NAACP is hosting its 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and art contest at a brand-new location in 2022. The free event is set for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center,1107 Adrian St. The recently renovated MLK Recreation Center is closer to Martin Luther King Drive. Related: Francis Street officially becoming Martin Luther King Drive in Jackson“We don’t see us having the event at any other location in future years to come,” Williams said. Martin Luther King really epitomized the fact that his mission was to bring all people together and in order to bring all people together, you have to go to where the people are,” said Williams said.

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JACKSON, MI - Jackson College will recognize the influence of longtime Jackson Public Schools educator and administrator Monica Pierce with its 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award. The college will present the award to Pierce during its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 in the Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse. I will keep on working for our students and our community.”Pierce was named Jackson High School’s first African American, female principal for instruction in 2019. Tickets for the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration are $35 general admission and $25 for youth and senior citizens. READ MORE:$1K stipend for COVID vaccinated employees gets OK from Jackson School BoardJackson Public Schools reinstates mask mandate after increase in COVID-19 casesIncrease in COVID cases causes Columbia schools to cancel classes

Police say her death isn't considered suspicious at this point. She was 56.

Students were joined by teachers for a walkout in protest of a lack of COVID precautions at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School at noon Wednesday in Detroit.

JACKSON, MI – The Launch Pad is hosting its first business pitch competition in Jackson. The inaugural African-American Economic Empowerment Pitch Competition is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1107 Adrian St.

JACKSON, MI -- Two Jackson families were displaced by a house fire Thursday night. Crews arrived to find “heavy flames” and smoke coming from the second floor of the building, Gonzales said. The building’s second floor received extensive damage, making it uninhabitable, Gonzales said. It housed two separate families, which are now displaced and receiving help from the American Red Cross, Gonzales said. The Jackson Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Summit Township Fire Department, Liberty Township Fire Department, Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety, Napoleon Township Fire Department and Columbia Township Fire Department.

Sitting a few feet from President Joe Biden during his speech to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial's 10th anniversary, Vice President Kamala Harris was well-positioned to issue a quick correction when the president needed it.

The monument depicts two 12-foot bronze statues of a woman holding an infant, and a man breaking free from shackles.

FLINT, MI — A Flint neighborhood association is planning to host an informational fair for local small businesses this week. King Avenue Plus, a Flint neighborhood association, is set to host the fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14 in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Garden on King Avenue between McClellan and Genesee streets. The event plans to provide resources to increase access to financial and other resources to help grow their businesses, according to M.L King Avenue Plus news release. The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance will participate along with members of the eTEAM, a regional collaboration of entrepreneurial service providers, including 100K Ideas, Michigan Small Business Development, Metro Community Development and others. Read more on MLive:Michigan’s Best Local Eats: This new Mexican restaurant in Chesaning has the ' best’ authentic fajitasGrant to help purchase bee hotel for Lapeer County nature center

JACKSON, MI -- The city of Jackson is opening two recreation centers to residents who do not have power or water after this week’s severe weather. The centers are being made available to residents who are without power and need a cool place to spend time. Related: Masks now required at all city of Jackson facilitiesAs of 9:55 a.m. Friday, more than 20,000 homes and business remain without power in Jackson County, according to the Consumers Energy outage map. The city plans to only have the centers open on Friday, but will update the community if any changes are made. More from MLive:Infrastructure upgrades, broadband access possible uses for Jackson County COVID relief fundsGreat-grandchildren help their grandmother clean up after storms rock Jackson County3rd annual ‘Just Kids’ back to school celebration on tap in Jackson

Black Power! Police Brutality Must Go! Education For All! What has been made very clear in recent years is that the fight is not over...

JACKSON, MI -- The final Henry Ford Allegiance Health COVID-19 vaccination clinic is coming up soon at Jackson’s Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. The clinic is 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 8. The MLK Center is located at 1107 Adrian St. The service is ending due to the drop in vaccine demand and the center returning to a full schedule of programs, officials said. Related: COVID-19 vaccination clinic open weekly at King Center for Jackson residentsThe city of Jackson has been working with the health system to vaccinate Jackson residents at the recreation center since March.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the deaths of two people at a Comstock Township home. Police responded around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, to a report of shots fired in the home in the 5700 block of Higgins Street and found the deceased victims. Police released few details about the deaths but said there is no danger to the public. Police continue to investigate and expect to provide further information later. Read more:Student pilot, instructor avoid injury when plane flips while landing$17B spending plan to fund K-12 passes Michigan LegislatureDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Kalamazoo to close temporarily for renovations

The mixed-use project on a busy Chapel Hill road was approved last week but lacked enough votes to meet the supermajority requirement.

The US often honors its past without making amends for its transgressions when they've benefitted a people, institution, or government.

President Joe Biden will host George Floyd’s family at the White House Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of his death at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer.

Chicago leaders have said they are expanding the district’s offerings and providing bonus pay to educators.

A Maine man was charged today in federal court in Springfield, Massachusetts, in connection with setting the Dec. 28, 2020, fire that destroyed the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield. Vulchev is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield at a later date. The government also alleges that Vulchev is also responsible for several other fires set on church property and for a series of tire slashings on church property and in the surrounding area. The additional fires alleged include a fire at the backdoor of the church on Dec. 13, 2020, and two additional fires near the rear door of the church on Dec. 15, 2020. Assistance was provided by Hampden District Attorney’s Office; Berkshire District Attorney’s Office; Springfield Police Department; Springfield Fire Department; Pittsfield Police Department; American International College Police Department; Houlton (Maine) Police Department; and Newington (Conn.) Police Department.

The Grosse Pointe South boys basketball team’s playoff run was cut short in Thursday’s district semifinals when they took on Martin Luther King Jr. High School. The Blue Devils managed to cut King’s lead down to single digits in the fourth quarter, but the Crusaders hung on to a 56-40 victory. Things picked up for the Blue Devils in the second half, but they could not quite dig themselves out of the hole created by their slow start. “We had our best week of practice in preparation for the game.”The season may have come to an end sooner than they would have liked, but 2021 was still a successful year for the Blue Devils in many ways. After his second year at the helm of this Blue Devils team, Benard has seen his program take significant strides.

(AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Atlantic City says it will redo a Black Lives Matter tribute on a street because the original painting of those words across the entire road confused motorists who didn't know where to drive on it. Instead, the words “Black Lives Matter” will be painted onto the repaved road in a manner that does not obscure lane divider markings, Mayor Marty Small said Thursday. “The words ”Black Lives Matter" will still be on the street." The road painting was a compromise that averted a potential confrontation between activists who wanted to paint the words “Black Lives Matter” on the famous Boardwalk, and city officials who would not allow it. City Council member LaToya Dunston accused the city of wasting taxpayer dollars by painting the road without knowing the rules governing it.

JACKSON, MI -- A Jackson community center is becoming the site of a weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Henry Ford Allegiance Health patients should use the Henry Ford MyChart online platform. However, walk-ins at the MLK Center vaccination site are welcome, officials said. Jackson resident Ricky Hurst got his COVID-19 vaccination at the first distribution event on March 4, and said he thought access to the vaccine at the community center would encourage others to get it. In Jackson County, 9,371 residents have contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Jackson County Health Department, and 217 residents have died.

The New York Times first reported that a grand jury was hearing testimony against Chauvin. Floyd’s death sparked protests in Minneapolis and beyond and led to a nationwide reckoning on race. Like Chauvin, all three were fired soon after Floyd’s death. It’s unclear what specifically prompted the increased grand jury activity in the last few weeks, though most federal grand juries are discharged after about 18 months. Barr rejected the deal in part because he felt it was too soon as the investigation into Floyd’s death was still in its relative infancy, the officials said.

We want to know: What does Black History Month mean to you? Did you talk about it, growing up? Did you attend events? We want to hear, in your words, about your experience with the month.

A new program to help Jackson’s restaurant industry and give these free meals to Jackson residents kicked off Monday, Feb. 1. The Our Town meal distribution program through Consumers Energy and the city of Jackson passed out 1,250 pre-packaged dinners from 10 Jackson-area restaurants. “Some of these meals; it smells so good in the tent,” sad Mindy Bradish-Orta, Consumers Energy community affairs manager. “We like that this program is really an economic development program where we’re keeping businesses open, we’re keeping people employed. If someone wants to wait in line and get a free meal, then they can get a free meal.

American poet Amanda Gorman reads a poem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. In one of the inauguration's most talked about moments, poet Amanda Gorman summoned images dire and triumphant Wednesday as she called out to the world “even as we grieved, we grew." Did you catch the 2 @HamiltonMusical references in the inaugural poem? “That day gave me a second wave of energy to finish the poem,” Gorman told the AP. Two other books come out in September — the illustrated “Change Sings” and a volume of her inaugural poem and other works.

“I’m inspired when I see the number of young Blacks and Whites who are part of the Black Lives Matter movement,” Rev. DeLashea Strawder, director of Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theater, believes there has been progress. “There’s nothing wrong with that -- nothing wrong with good, strong, healthy debate.”“Of course, we’re not going to always agree, and that’s OK,” Strawder said. “My dream would be for everybody to be just equal,” said Makiah Quinn, a Mosaic Youth Theater member. “I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”Anthony had much more to say.

DETROIT – On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, many will remember that Detroit was the rehearsal for the civil rights icon’s I Have a Dream speech. Not much is known about the two visits Dr. King made to Michigan State University in the 1960s. Dr. King spoke passionately about achieving a world brotherhood perspective, abolishing the notion of superior and inferior races, and ridding the world of segregation. Don’t let the bullies with the rifles and shotguns intimidate you,” said Dr. Green. And both Dr. Green who is now 87 and Washington, 76, more than 50 years later believe that much of what King spoke about in that speech is still being fought for today.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is also known as a Day of Service where people go out and do something positive in their communities. We asked our What’s the Buzz crew what this day means to them and what they do to celebrate it. Mike said King’s ability to forgive and move forward with his mission on a strict non-violent method was amazing. Next Tati asked them how they plan to observe the day.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a day of celebration of the civil rights leader. From sermon in Montgomery, Alabama (1957)The core of servant leadership is to seek to serve others, and to add value to their lives. That's the ultimate benchmark for measuring the value of an organization and its leadership. If you can't walk, then crawl. Bernard Banks is the Associate Dean for Leadership Development and Inclusion and a Clinical Professor of Management at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

We celebrate Martin Luther King Day around the activist’s January birthday, which is Jan. 15.

Much like other holidays, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will likely have a different dynamic this year, considering the ongoing pandemic.

Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons and Precious Achiuwa of the Miami Heat battle for a rebound during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on January 16, 2021 in Miami, Florida. DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings will both play afternoon games on Monday as the country observes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s a normal occurrence for professional sports teams, especially the Pistons, to play an afternoon game on MLK Day. First up: Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets at 12 p.m. Next up: Pistons vs. Heat at 3 p.m.

American Airlines Flight 191 crashed after takeoff from O'Hare International Airport on May 25, 1979, killing 273 people. The DC-10, carrying 13 crew members and 258 passengers, crashed 31 seconds after takeoff . All those aboard the jet and two people on the ground died.

Police said Willie Burks, 44, of Madison, drove up the exterior steps on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and around the exterior of statehouse just before 9:30 p.m. He then left the capitol grounds and drove against traffic before parking his vehicle.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday also marks the 26th anniversary of the Day of Service, honoring the Civil Rights leader’s legacy. Despite COVID restrictions, some students in Southfield honored that commitment by leading by example. At MacArthur K-8 University Academy, community service is the center of everything the students do. Students and teachers work together on community service projects all year round, but on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, those service projects are highlighted. Observed every year on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national Day of Service to encourage everyone to volunteer.

FLINT, MI — Many of the events planned to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and life will be virtual with speakers, poems, opportunities for service and a food giveaway for the communities of Saginaw and Genesee counties. Here’s a look at what’s planned:Genesee CountyBig Brothers Big Sister of Flint and Genesee CountyThe organization will host the Annual Mentoring Inspiration Breakfast to commemorate National Mentoring Month and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Flint Public Library at Courtland CenterFlint Public Library will present a virtual “Best of ML King Day” Monday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. Saginaw CountySaginaw Valley State UniversityThe university has partnered with regional businesses, chambers of commerce and community foundations to work together to present a celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Related news:Saginaw to celebrate MLK Day 2020 with unity march; event also planned at SVSUSaginaw celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2019 with unity marchMartin Luther King Jr. Day events kick off in Saginaw, MidlandMartin Luther King III talks water issues with Flint residentsMartin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations planned throughout Flint

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated nationally on Monday, Jan. 18, is going virtual this year in the Ann Arbor area due to the coronavirus pandemic. University of Michigan symposiumUM will stream its annual symposium this year at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18. Throughout the month, UM will host numerous events on racial bias, politics, civic engagement and other topics for the community. She will address “Health Disparities in the African American Community.” The service is being steamed live at sbcypsi.org. Charles Reinhart, founder of Ann Arbor real estate company, dies at 96COVID-19 fueled Ann Arbor office vacancies, but employees likely to return, experts sayAnn Arbor Art Center’s ‘Artini-at-Home’ cocktail competition goes virtual

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Monday, City of Ann Arbor offices will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Closures will include Larcom City Hall customer service center and 15th Judicial District Court. Instead of meeting that Monday, Ann Arbor City Council will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 19, according to a notice from the city. Monday is also the last day for residents to dispose of undecorated Christmas trees for free at four drop-off locations around Ann Arbor. Read: Here’s how you can volunteer with Ann Arbor Parks in February

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Like so much during the coronavirus pandemic, Martin Luther King Jr. Day will look a bit different this year. Instead of marches and community lectures, Grand Rapids area residents will have an opportunity to honor the slain civil rights leaders through online events on Monday, Jan. 18. As we kick off the new year, let’s celebrate the life and dream of Dr. King, and the spirit of diversity in the Grand Rapids community. MLK Day of ServiceThe Theta Chi Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is inviting the community to help stock the food pantry at Grand Rapids Community College from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. It’s being shown exclusively at Celebration Cinema’s Studio Park location in downtown Grand Rapids.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said 3-year-old girl Queen Norton, who was reported missing from Pontiac, has been found safe. Deputies said 3-year-old Queen is with relatives in Georgia and her mother, Shanitra Seay, was arrested by the Atlanta Police Department and will be extradited to Oakland County. Michigan State Police issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for the child on Monday. Police said she was in her father’s car when her mother, Shanitra Seay, stole the vehicle with the child inside. View: Missing in Michigan

Lumpkin, a Los Angeles native, died Dec. 26, according to a statement from Los Angeles City College, which he attended from 1938 to 1940. Theodore Lumpkin Jr. was just days short of his 101st birthday. Lumpkin, a Los Angeles native, died Dec. 26, according to a statement from Los Angeles City College, which he attended from 1938 to 1940. The Tuskegee Airmen escorted bombers in Europe. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

JACKSON, MI – Virtual programming is replacing the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremonies and events in Jackson next month. Related: Love is ultimate goal of Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day in JacksonJackson College will also host its 2021 MLK Celebration virtually via Zoom through three events on Monday, Jan. 18. The theme this year is “Hope, Inspire, Believe” and features Rejji Hayes, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Consumers Energy, as the keynote speaker. Additionally, the 2021 medal of service will be presented posthumously to Jackson jazz legend Benny Poole, who died in early December. Benny Poole was a bridge builder unparalleled!!

SAGINAW, MI - CNN political commentator Van Jones is the keynote speaker for the 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, held in January and hosted in a virtual format by Saginaw Valley State University. The 12th annual event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 and will be available to stream online for free with registration. The theme for 2021′s event is “Working Together,” according to a news release from the university. Additionally, regional high school seniors will receive scholarship awards from community foundations at the event for embodying King’s ideals, according to the release. Read more:Flood and mud destroyed their home, but now a Michigan family has reason to celebrateMonday, Dec. 21, coronavirus data by county: Only 2 counties still above 15% positivityCNN’s Van Jones is keynote speaker at UM diversity summit event

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – PBS NewsHour White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor will give the keynote address at West Michigan’s 35th annual event commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University teamed up to host the virtual program on the slain civil right’s leader’s federal holiday Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. “Together, we as a nation have work to do.”Alcindor’s address is entitled “The Legacy of MLK: Purpose, Truth and Justice.” The White House correspondent started her career at Newsday in New York, then became a political correspondent for NBC and MSNBC. Alcindor will also give the MLK keynote address at Eastern Michigan University on Jan. 18. Alcindor has received the White House Correspondents’ Association Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage and the 2020 National Association of Black Journalists’ Journalist of the Year Award. The West Michigan vent is free and runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

PONTIAC, Mich. – A man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run of a pedestrian crossing North Perry Street in Pontiac. Police had been searching for the driver who they said hit a 29-year-old woman Monday night as she crossed North Perry Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. An older model SUV struck her and kept going. Police said the man, who is in his 30s, was spotted trying to conceal the vehicle in a trailer. The woman was in critical condition as of Monday night.

JACKSON, MI – Residents will soon be able to see the results of a project seven months in the making at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Jackson city officials unveiled the $1.9-million renovations at the center on Jackson’s south side on Friday, Oct. 23, and community members can see the inside themselves as soon as Election Day. The community space at 1107 Adrian St. first opened in 1968 and offers youth and community programming and provides meals. She recalls attending youth programming there as a child, then bringing her children to the community center as a parent. This is huge for our community.”Officials have not yet determined when indoor programming will resume at the recreation center.

After the rally, several of the candidates rushed to catch flights to a forum on policy issues facing black voters in Des Moines, Iowa. The days events marked a rare moment of apparent harmony between candidates, including Sanders, Warren and Joe Biden, who have clashed in recent days. South Carolina Democrats hold the fourth nominating contest on Feb. 29, before the 14 states holding contests on Super Tuesday on March 3. A quarter of black voters said they were undecided. Democrats have crafted competing policies on voter suppression, economic development and criminal justice reform aimed at courting black voters.

None of these collars seemed to have made a difference, most likely because bail reform has drained civil disobedience of its power. But to make their points, and to honor the tradition of civil disobedience, they should have served a little. Make no mistake; I support bail reform. And I dont think that the fact an unyielding pretrial detention system might be necessary to meaningful civil disobedience provides sufficient reason to keep it. But they wouldnt deny, now that bail reform is in place in several jurisdictions, that civil disobedience loses its bravery and its impact in those places.

Monroe County Community College will host several events for Diversity Week in conjunction with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his contributions to racial justice and equality. Monroe County Community College will host several events for Diversity Week in conjunction with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his contributions to racial justice and equality. Diversity Week is sponsored by MCCC Diversity Committee. Through Jan. 31: Donation stations will be at each building on campus to accept non-perishable food and toiletries on behalf of Monroe County Opportunity Program. For more information about Diversity Week, contact Linda Torbet, director of human resources, at 734-384-4245 or ltorbet@monroeccc.edu.

in Kansas City, Mo. On Tuesday, Kansas City voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to rename a 10-mile boulevard from King's name back to The Paseo, which it has been called since it was completed in 1899. Kansas City is 60.3% white and 28.7% black, according to the U.S. Census. When he called U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi Wednesday, the first thing Thompson said to Cleaver was "What in the world are you guys up in Kansas City doing?" "This is a huge opportunity for Kansas City to be spotlighted for how it unified and engaged people in the civic process in a way we haven't seen in years," she said.

in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)KANSAS CITY, MO Emotions that simmered for nearly a year over the renaming of an historic major thoroughfare in Kansas City, Missouri, for the Rev. They say removing the name would send a negative image of Kansas City to the rest of the world, and could hurt business and tourism. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a minister and former Kansas City mayor who has pushed the city to rename a street for King for years, was at Sunday's rally. He said the protesters were welcome, but he asked them to consider the damage that would be done if Kansas City removed King's name.

Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesGoldenDent dental supply will host a free dental exam and extraction event this Saturday August 17th at the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School(2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd). Organizers are looking for those in need of getting one or multiple teeth removed. The event will include exams, extractions and grafting procedures. To sign up you must call Donna Norton at (248)-210-6443 to schedule your appointment. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

The Newman Court Apartments in Pontiac on Aug. 6, 2019. (WDIV)PONTIAC, Mich. - A man walked up to the window of an Oakland County apartment and started firing shots into a crowd of people, according to police. The incident happened at the Newman Court Apartments off of University Drive between Martin Luther King Jr. Bouelvard North and North Opdyke Road in Pontiac. Police said there was a group of people inside the apartment when the man walked up to the window and opened fire. A 20-year-old Pontiac resident was shot in the abdomen, officials said.

PONTIAC, Mich. - Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, July 26, eastbound and westbound M-59 will be closed between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Opdyke Road in Pontiac to allow crews to safely demolish the old Silverdome pedestrian bridge. Both directions of M-59 will be closed between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Opdyke Road to remove a pedestrian bridge. In addition to the freeway closure, crews will also close the following ramps:The southbound I-75 ramp to westbound M-59The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard ramp to eastbound M-59The southbound Opdyke Road to westbound M-59The Opdyke Road ramp to eastbound M-59. During the closure, eastbound M-59 traffic will be detoured south on Woodward Avenue to eastbound Square Lake Road, then northbound I-75 back to eastbound M-59. Westbound M-59 traffic will be detoured onto northbound I-75 to University Drive, then southbound I-75 to westbound Square Lake Road, then north on Woodward Avenue back to westbound M-59.