Northern Michigan University will mark the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 19, with three activities: a luncheon with keynote speaker Charlita Anderson White, a 1983 NMU alumna and retired magistrate of the Lorain County Domestic and Juvenile Court in Ohio; an early-access, curated tour of “Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate”—the first national art exhibition hosted by NMU's Devos Art Museum; and hands-on service projects.
The luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Northern Center Ballrooms will feature a menu of fried chicken, shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, collard greens, potato salad, cornbread and sweet potato pie. It is free for NMU students and youth attending with a parent, and $14 for NMU employees and community members. Registration and tickets are required in either case, and may be obtained at tickets.nmu.edu.
Judge Anderson White earned a bachelor's degree in speech communications from NMU (read a feature story on her here). Her luncheon keynote is titled “The Beloved Community: Where Justice, Healing, and Hope Meet.” She will reflect on “how rest, resilience and justice move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a world shaped by compassion and hope.” Anderson White's career and community leadership have advanced those themes as well, while centering the dignity and potential of every person.
The early-access curator's tour of the national art exhibition, “Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate,” is scheduled at 1 p.m. at the Devos Art Museum. The thought-provoking collection use diverse media—sculpture, painting, photography, ceramics and printmaking—to reflect, engage and challenge. NMU alumna Katie Knight curated the exhibition, which will run from Jan. 20-March 21.
Inspired by Dr. King's call to serve others, NMU is hosting a crochet and knitting hat-making session from 2-5 p.m. in The Lodge in support of its Dignity Drive. The hats will be added to the warmth and wellness kits being delivered at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome and materials will be supplied. Snacks and refreshments will also be provided.
Media contact: Shawnrece Butler, shbutler@nmu.edu