Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

For 35 years, Michigan Tech has honored and celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a man who refused to sit idly by while he and others were treated less than, who brought people together to fight for justice and equality. Dr. King is most recognized for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience and as a national icon in the history of American progressivism.

Schedule of Events

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is proud to announce the 35th Annual MLK Jr Day Celebration on January 15, 2024. Several events are planned leading up to the day and beyond.

Preparation and Beyond

Craft Day Workshop, Jan. 10

Center for Diversity and Inclusion, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will host a poster-making session for students to prepare works for display at the Van Pelt and Opie Library exhibit.

Student Art Exhibit, Jan. 15–26

Van Pelt and Opie Library
The Van Pelt and Opie Library will feature an MLK exhibit along the curved wall in the Opie Reading Room. This year, all students are invited to create a digital or physical art poster for display.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15

Student Service Project

Local elementary schools, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Michigan Tech will support the local elementary school students by reading a MLK book to students around the community.

Interfaith Prayer Vigil

Van Pelt and Opie Library, Noon
The Van Pelt and Opie Library will host a Prayer Vigil where our religious communities on campus will read excerpts from Dr. King's works.

Prayer Vigil sign-up

Peace March

Husky Statue, 1:00 p.m.

Following the Prayer Vigil, we are inviting the campus community to meet at the Husky statue to gather for a peace march across campus.

MLK Brunch

MUB Ballroom, 10 a.m.
Keynote address by Jaylyn Boone.

Watch last year's Banquet Celebration:Live stream on YouTube

Keynote Speaker

Speaker Photo

Jaylyn Boone is a transformative speaker, coach and consultant, with a keen focus on empowering individuals to execute their purpose. As a native of Flint, MI, Jaylyn has seen his fair share of poverty, crime and shattered dreams. However, along his journey he also learned about the transformative power of purpose and persistence. With this knowledge, Jaylyn takes his passion for purpose and gift of communication to educate, equip and empower individuals all across the world.

Bayard Rustin Award

In 2019, NSBE began the tradition of awarding the Bayard Rustin Award to a servant leader on campus during the annual MLK reception. This award honors a servant leader who is often behind the scenes making significant strides and recognizes them publicly for their commitment. Bayard Rustin acted as an influential adviser "behind the scenes" to civil-rights leaders. He worked along Dr. King and helped organize Freedom Rides and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Rustin also served as an organizer for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. On November 20, 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Past Recipients