Events of Monday, January 18, 2021

January 18

NAACP Event:

MLK Day of Service Celebration and Virtual Event.  The Jackson County Branch NAACP presents the annual event from Second Baptist Church virtually.  The theme, “Standing on the Front Line” will be presented through speakers, musicians, youth leaders and the keynote, “Color of Change” delivered by a member of the branch.  Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by building partnerships, strengthening communities, bridging barriers, and helping those in need.  To participate, visit facebook.com/JANCOBRNAACP and via Zoom.

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Event:

MLK Diversity Celebration presented by The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Please join again this January in celebrating the life of a visionary and one of the greatest leaders in world history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This inspiring community celebration honors not only the legacy of Dr. King but also celebrates the spirit of diversity in our community.  This January’s event maintains the heritage and purpose of those in the past while introducing a virtual format. The celebration features Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor, Garlin Gilchrist’s highly anticipated keynote of the strength of diversity and Dr. King’s legacy. Additionally, the Jackson District Library is partnering with the Chamber to include students from the Middle School at Parkside who will recite excerpts from Dr. King’s Drum Major Instinct Sermon.  Benefactors of the event will include Challenge Day, a nonprofit organization committed to building empathy and compassion in our communities. Challenge Day programs are held every fall here inviting all area 7^th graders. Also, the Chamber, in cooperation with the Jackson Community Foundation, is creating a scholarship for a local student of color to Jackson College, Spring Arbor University, or Baker College.  The event will air on JTV and JTV.tv  January 18th  8am-9am and 10am-11am. 

Jackson College Events:

Jackson College presents virtual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Observances.

At 10 a.m., Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, an educator who as a boy marched alongside Dr. King, will present “From Dreams to Outcomes, The Work of Equity Today.” This is a professional development opportunity for Jackson College employees, but all community members are welcome to listen to the virtual presentation.

Bledsoe brings more than 34 years of postsecondary education experience. He is the founder and current chief executive officer and president of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) Organization — a national organization with over 355 chapters in 41 states that endeavors to instill a “spirit of care” and enhance the experiences of young males of color in our country. Before transitioning to his role with SAAB, Dr. Bledsoe served as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Toledo. (Full Bio)

LINK: https://zoom.us/j/94273168697

At 1 p.m., a Student Symposium will examine and discuss Systemic Racism. Jackson College’s Student Government Association President Jazmyn Ragland will facilitate a panel discussion with four current students and two alumni. Systemic racism refers to the policies and practices existing throughout a society or organization that result in and support a continued unfair advantage to some people and unfair or harmful treatment of others based on race.

LINK: https://zoom.us/j/92271763094 

At 6 p.m., join in a virtual King Day Celebration, “Hope, Inspire, Believe.” Keynote speaker for the evening will be CMS Energy executive Rejji Hayes, who will offer words of inspiration for the evening, “Dr. King’s Dream for Today.” The 2021 King Medal of Service will be presented posthumously to Benny Poole, who passed away in December. Poole was a lifelong musician who continued to play and entertain with his beloved saxophone into his 90s. He used his talent to build bridges and bring people together, especially for his hometown of Jackson.

Tune in via Zoom to the 2021 event; this is free and all community members are welcome.

LINK: https://zoom.us/j/95116566323