GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A keynote address remembering the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy will be delivered by author and educator Melissa Harris-Perry at several events next week.
Harris-Perry is a writer, columnist, TV host and professor who focuses on race issues in America. She hosted her own weekend news show from 2012 to 2016, has written two award-winning books and is now a regular columnist for The Nation magazine.
The first event, which is being held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is hosted as a partnership between Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).
It aims to reflect on Rev. King's message of unity and equality.
“At a time when our world is filled with violence and conflict, it’s more important than ever to reflect on and be inspired by the life and lessons of Dr. King,” said GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella.
"It gives me hope that, despite our societal struggles that could discourage us, we come together as a community and commit publicly to be inclusive and embrace diversity," said Davenport President Richard J. Pappas. "We find strength in our joint mission to keep fighting injustice and magnifying what we know to be good and what we hear in Dr. King's timeless message."
The event is taking place Monday, Jan. 15 at Fountain Street Church. It begins at 6 p.m. Harris-Perry will also speak at both GVSU and Davenport University on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
These events are free and open to the public.
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