December 5, 2025

Ferris State plans events to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Ferris State University’s Office of Multicultural Student Services is hosting three events next month to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The first day will consist of the MLK March on Tuesday, Jan. 26.  The theme for the guest speaker is to define and speak about Dr. King’s quote “Beloved Community,” as attendees will participate in a march and return to the ballrooms to hear the guest speaker and musical performances.

This event is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. and start at the Rankin Atrium Stage of the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive.

Day two is set for Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m.  at Eisler Center Ballrooms A and B, and features “The Beloved Community: A Celebration of Allied Voices Discussion Panel” event.

By highlighting the contributions of people of all races and faiths, the event will move beyond the traditional focus on Dr. King’s work, underscoring his vision of the "Beloved Community” by broadening the lens and celebrating the diverse coalition of allies who were integral to the Civil Rights Movement.

The final day of the MLK week celebration will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the West Campus Community Center, 1414 Family Dr.

Students will join staff in the community center to cook the meal that the guests of honor will enjoy, which features roughly 40 individuals from a nearby homeless shelter. Students will also assemble gift bags containing basic supplies for the guests' needs, with conversations led by the Dr. King quotes at the center of each table where guests and students will sit.

Cooking and setup time is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the banquet dinner shortly thereafter at 3 p.m.

More information about the Office of Multicultural Student Services can be found here.