Freshmen Steffen Hembruch (left), a Pre-Pharmacy student from Swartz Creek, and Sean
Prusko (right) of Grand Rapids, an Information Security and Intelligence major, return
from participating in Operation Safe Sidewalks, an MLK Day of Service activity. Ferris
State University celebrated its 34th annual Martin Luther King Day activities on Monday,
Jan. 20.
Video from the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Freedom March.
Activities throughout the day, Monday, Jan. 20, offered Ferris State University students,
faculty and staff, and Big Rapids community members opportunities to reflect on the
life and impact of Martin Luther King in the 34th annual celebration of the national
holiday.
Students filed into the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services in the
morning to participate in Operation Safe Sidewalks, an MLK Day of Service project.
Freshmen Sean Prusko of Grand Rapids, an Information Security and Intelligence student,
was joined by Steffen Hembruch, a Pre-Pharmacy student from Swartz Creek, in clearing
sidewalks in neighborhoods near campus.
“As students in Honors College, this was a way to work on our service hours requirement,”
Hembruch said. “There were certainly areas where we could make a difference after
the snows that came through last weekend.”
“We were able to interact with some of the people whose properties we worked on. They
were very thankful we came out,” Prusko said. “It was an honor to see the result of
pursuing good works.”
Faculty and staff participated in the In-Service program, organized by the Diversity
and Inclusion Office. The theme selected for presenters was, “What does Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. mean to you?” The event concluded with Michelle Johnson, an administrative
assistant to the Associate Provost of Academic Operations, receiving the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Social Justice Award. Those gathered concluded the in-service with a rendition
of the spiritual, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
More than 200 students, faculty and staff members and participants from the Big Rapids
community gathered in the Rankin Atrium to participate in the annual campus Freedom
March. Among the students in the procession was Jahlyn Wynns, a freshman in Business-Marketing
from Pontiac.
“I believe that the march is a way to make good use of the Martin Luther King holiday,”
Wynns said. “It is important that everyone remember and consider the legacy of Dr.
King.”
On the marchers’ return to the University Center, several Ferris administrators made
remarks to thank those who turned out and to reflect on the celebration’s meaning.
“I thank all of you for having these important conversations and taking up our activities,
daring to make a difference,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Janine Ward-Roof.
“Our graduates leave with the charge to make a difference in their communities, and
we welcome you to be confident and make your mark.”
Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion David Pilgrim shaped his remarks in reflection
on the 23rd Psalm.
“Martin Luther King Jr. walked in the valley of the shadow of death for 14 years,”
Pilgrim said. “His life was taken, and in full understanding of that, he lived the
life that we celebrate today.”
“We are glad that the Big Rapids community joins us in celebrating this day,” said
Ferris President David Eisler. “Dr. King was a great teacher, and in his later years,
he told an audience in Philadelphia about the importance of living life with a solid
blueprint. The key considerations were to believe in your own dignity, and to be determined
to achieve excellence.”
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration concluded with the annual Student Tribute,
which included a presentation from a featured guest, spoken word artist Mike Ellison.
In his remarks, the Detroit native challenged the audience by combining themes of
economic inequality and individual freedom.
“He would tell people to be careful with their own resources, by saying ‘Don’t spend
money that you don’t have, for things that you don’t need, to try and impress people
that you don’t know,’” Ellison said. “He also said ‘Anyone can be great because anyone
is able to serve.’”
A continuing aspect of the MLK Celebration is the Tunnel of Oppression, a video series
reflecting on social media, immigration and gender inequality, with hourly presentations
offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in Room 217 of the University Center through
Thursday, Jan. 23.