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CMU shares brunch with local community for MLK Day

Guests for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Event at Central Michigan University grabbing brunch before the events program.
Blace Carpenter
/
WCMU
Guests for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Event at Central Michigan University grabbing brunch before the event's program.

On a cold Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, members of the Central Michigan University and Mount Pleasant community shared a warm brunch to commemorate the late civil rights leader and his accomplishments.

The university is hosting events in honor of MLK throughout the week and started with its community service and brunch. Guests were treated to musical performances from CMU’s Jazz Collective and the Christ Central Choir (C3) as well as remarks from speakers across campus.

CMU’s Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Stan Shingles spoke about his time witnessing King coming through Chicago as a kid and later joining King’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Shingles said that in the eyes of MLK, everyone has a duty to help others.

“When we serve others with gestures of kindness, support and love,” Shingles said. “We can create a ripple effect that grows around us like pebbles tossed into a pond, extending outward in all directions, generating positive outcomes that improve the lives of others”

Democratic State Sen. and CMU Alumna Sarah Anthony was the keynote speaker for the event. She said the fight against racial inequality has come a long way, but still isn't over.

“Real systemic change takes a long time,” Anthony said. “Just ask anyone who is living in this time and this experience, we have more work to do. Sometimes that work is through an individual lens for advocacy. Specifically, What are you doing to make our world, make our campus, make your home more inclusive?”

Students and guests were invited to community activities like sign-making, bookmark decorating, and tying blankets. Community members later gathered for the annual march.

Due to dangerous temperatures, the march was held indoors at the university’s student activity center.

CMU is one of several universities across Michigan hosting MLK events. Michigan State University and Ferris State University are also celebrating King’s accomplishments throughout the week, with different keynote speakers, community gatherings and marches.

Blace Carpenter is a newsroom intern at WCMU.
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