WCC's annual MLK Celebration is inspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1960 message, “Our ultimate end must be the creation of the beloved community.” Dr. King envisioned the Beloved Community as a global society based on justice, equal opportunity and love of one's fellow human beings. Racism and all forms of discrimination, prejudice and systemic oppression will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of humanity.
The college embraces the spirit of a beloved community through its mission “to make a positive difference in people's lives through accessible and excellent educational programs and services.”
MLK Day Celebration
Thursday, Jan. 12 | 3:30-5 p.m. | Student Center, 2nd floor
All WCC students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend WCC's 17th annual MLK Day Celebration. A brief reception will follow the hour-long program, which will include a performance by Kenyatta Rashon and the presentation of WCC's fourth annual Equity in Action Awards.
Speakers, including President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca and WCC Black Student Union President Shemaiah Reeves, will address the 2023 MLK theme of service, inspired by Dr. King's quote, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Washtenaw County Commissioner Caroline Sanders will deliver the keynote address.
Caroline Sanders has a reputation for being an honest and forthright advocate with a passionate collaborative
spirit. She has a decades-long track record of advocating for single mothers, children,
young adults, seniors and the most voiceless community members. She held elected and
appointed positions with the United Auto Workers for 17 years and has been a student,
staff member and administrator at Eastern Michigan University for over 30 years. She
was recently re-elected as a Washtenaw County Commissioner for District 4, Pittsfield
Township, and also currently serves board roles at The Childcare Network, the Washtenaw
County Black Caucus, EMU’s Black Alumni, the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce,
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and Students with Children at EMU. A nontraditional
student while earning degrees from Oakland Community College and Eastern Michigan
University, Sanders helped create the Child Development Certificate program with WCC.
MLK & BLM: An Interactive Writing Workshop
Thursday, Jan. 19 | 11 a.m.-noon | Writing Center, LA 327
Join WCC faculty and students for a Civil Rights and Human Rights gathering. Come watch a short video, join a lively discussino and create your own written reflection to share. Snacks will be served.
Community & Family Day
Friday, Jan. 20 | 3-6 p.m. | Parkridge Community Center
Students who recently attended WCC's Minority Student Leadership Retreat developed this event as part of a service project. This Community & Family Day will offer a meal, college and career services, giveaways and more. Activities offered for kids will include creating a timeline of Dr. King's life, as well as making connections to how his "I Have a Dream" speech relates to their own life.
MLK Beloved Community Gathering
Thursday, Jan. 26 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Garrett's
WCC students are invited to come together as a community to discuss and reflect on Dr. King's legacy and our MLK 2023 theme of service during this special dinner.