LANSING – Speaker of the House Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) announced today that he is hosting a community celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his many contributions to America in his fight for freedom, social change, equality and worldwide peace.
"I am extremely honored and humbled to host an event celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," Dillon said. "Dr. King was truly an incredible American. He was, and continues to be many things to many people – a father, a husband, a pastor, a mentor, an activist and an icon. For America and for the world, he was a great leader, a trailblazer, and a symbol and harbinger of peace, unity and love."
The "Martin Luther King Jr. Community Unity Celebration - Moving Forward Together"will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, at World Deliverance Temple - Bishop Roy Ferguson, located at 27355 Ann Arbor Trail (corner of Inkster and Ann Arbor Trail) in Dearborn Heights.
The celebration will feature guest speakers Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit); Rep. Brenda Clack (D-Flint), Michigan Legislative Black Caucus chair; and Linda Parker, director, Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
The event also will feature gospel performing artists Lindsey and Jemika Ferguson, Charise Miles, TuWona Pledger, and the gospel dance group Bethel Deliverance Tabernacle Mime Ministry.
"As we celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. King, we must remember that as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to uphold that legacy," Dillon said. "We have to work together to overcome discrimination, poverty and inequality wherever they exist in our society. We must dedicate ourselves to making his vision of love, peace and service to the community a reality."