VIDEO: Preview of the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Ferris.
The 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration begins on Monday, Jan. 19 and runs through Thursday, Jan. 22. The event honors King, one of history’s most influential civil rights leaders.
“It is important for students to get involved and attend the various different events we have because it gives everyone a chance to experience some sense of diversity and inclusion, and it also amplifies unity on the campus of Ferris State University,” said Breia Harris, senior in psychology and MLK planning committee student member.
All MLK Celebration events are free and open to the public. The activities are sponsored by Ferris’ Office of Multicultural Student Services.
2015 MLK Celebration Tunnel of Oppression Exhibit
- When: Monday, Jan. 19 through Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Ward Hall basement
- What: The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive exhibit that introduces students to the concepts of oppression, privilege and power. Visitors walk through a set of scenes that educate them about oppression and leave them thinking about the issues. At the end, there is a fair where students have the opportunity to get involved in addressing some of the issues displayed in the tunnel. This event is hosted by the Housing and Residence Life Harmony Project.
Ferguson, What Would MLK Do? (Open Discussion)
- When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.
- Where: University Center, Room 203
- What: Based on current social justice issues, such as Ferguson, Mo., there will be an open and honest dialogue on the problems and perceptions in order to create solutions necessary to moving forward.
Freedom March
- What: OMSS is hosting the 29th annual Freedom March in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Where: University Center [UPDATED Jan. 15, 2015]
- When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.
“Culture Shock” – 5 Star Event and 2015 MLK Celebration Featured Presentation
- When: Monday, Jan. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Williams Auditorium
- What: “If your subconscious could talk, what would it say?" This advanced program is intended to expose our cultural misconceptions through a unique method of “Racial Hypnosis.” The event is sponsored by OMSS and the student organization, Entertainment Unlimited. The event is free and open to the public.
Documentary Series
- When: Monday, Jan. 19 through Thursday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: FLITE 438
- What: The documentary series will be hosted by OMSS. Each episode is one hour and
will be played at the beginning of each hour. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday - the 2013 PBS series "Many Rivers to Cross"
- Wednesday - the History Channel's 2008 special "King"
- Thursday - Newsreel's 2002 film series "The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow"
- Charity Basketball Event [CANCELED]
When: Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: University Recreation Center
What: Donations in the form of nonperishable food items and essentials will be collected at the event to benefit Big Rapids community organizations. Details about the event have yet to be determined. [THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED]
Tunnel Talkback (Open Discussion)
- When: Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 5 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Ward Hall Lobby
- What: The Housing and Residence Life Harmony Project will be hosting a discussion about the 2015 Tunnel of Oppression exhibit. Visitors are encouraged to discuss their experiences and reactions with each other. Thoughts can also be shared on social media using the hashtag, #FerrisMLK
29th Annual MLK Student Tribute
- When: Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: University Center, Room 202 BC
- What: This will be the 29th annual student tribute in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- The event is free and open to the public.
MLK Unity Ball
- When: Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 8 to 11 p.m.
- Where: University Center Room, 202 A
- What: This celebratory event will include live music, light refreshments and a variety of
- displays that showcase “Unity” from Ferris students. Semi-formal dress is encouraged. The event is free and open to the public.