MLK remembered with virtual events, community read

Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University and local partners continue their tradition of honoring slain civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of virtual events. This year’s theme is "None of Us is Free Until All of Us Are Free." For details and registration information about any of the events, contact Kalamazoo Valley's Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Trice Batson, tbatson@kvcc.edu or 488.4119 or see the MLK Jr. Day 2021 Celebration page at wmich.edu/mlk.

Along with Kalamazoo Valley and WMU, key sponsors also include the Bronson Healthcare System, city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and Kalamazoo Public Schools. All events are free.

Monday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to noon: Annual MLK Day Convocation, hosted by Kalamazoo College. Keynote Speaker: Dr. D-L Stewart, “I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free.” Virtual event, open to the public.

Monday. Jan. 18, 4 to 6 p.m., Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Kalamazoo: Public Virtual Healing Experience. A public Virtual Healing Experience with space will be limited to 50 individuals. Come together in an intentional space to discuss personal narratives and provide insight, understanding and appreciation of one another's stories. Register by Friday, Jan. 15, or until at capacity.

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 4 to 5 p.m., Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Kalamazoo: National Day of Racial Healing Opening Reception. Virtually mix and mingle with community members and share stories of resistance healing from the unprecedented year of 2020. Register by Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 4:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Kalamazoo National Day of Racial Healing 2021 Celebration. Celebrate the 5th annual National Day of Racial Healing during a live stream from The Kalamazoo State Theatre. Featuring community voices and local artists.

Thursday, Jan. 21, 4 to 6 p.m., Community Read of "From Here to Equality" by William A. Darity and A. Kristen Mullen. A virtual community discussion led by Jacob Pinney-Johnson will be held Saturday, Jan. 16. The first 20 who sign up will receive a free copy of the book. Register by Thursday, Jan, 21.

In celebration of the MLK holiday, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is also hosting a new virtual exhibit dedicated to the artworks of local civil rights historian, Murphy Darden, Sr. Explore his work and listen to his story at kvmexhibits.org/murphy-darden.