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Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual MLK Community Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in Grand Upton Hall at the Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.Ìý

This free community event will bring together students, leaders, and the community to honor Dr. King's vision and explore this year's theme: “Steps Toward the Dream." The morning will feature inspiring performances, meaningful student perspectives, and a powerful keynote address.Ìý

Event Details:Ìý

• What:ÌýMLK Community BreakfastÌý

• When:ÌýMonday, January 19, 2026,Ìýat 8:00 a.m.Ìý

• Where:ÌýGrand Upton Hall, Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv Mendel Center, Benton Harbor, MIÌý

• Cost:ÌýFree and open to the publicÌý

• RSVP:ÌýRequired. Register atÌýÌý

The MLK Community Breakfast is proudly sponsored byÌýCorewellÌýHealth.Ìý

Musical PerformancesÌý

The program willÌýshowcaseÌýthe uplifting voices of All God's Children Choir, directed by Shana Pollard, and the LMC Choir, directed by BeckyÌýSavage. Special guest David Brock, a professional gospel artist from Benton Harbor and Associate Minister and Minister of Music at Second Baptist Church, will perform.Ìý

Student SpeakersÌý

Two exceptional local high school students will share their reflections on Dr. King's enduring legacy and the ongoing journey toward realizing his dream. Olivia Sturgis from Benton Harbor High School and Gianna McLellan from St. Joseph High School were selected by their school principals and guidance staff to offer their perspectives on progress and hope for the future.Ìý

Keynote Speaker: James GunterÌý

The breakfast will feature James Gunter, Executive Director of Present Pillars, as keynote speaker. A Benton Harbor native, Gunter has dedicated his life to strengthening families and communities through fatherhood advocacy. As a trained doula and passionate advocate, he founded Present Pillars to provide resources, education, and support to fathers and families. His innovative programs, including the groundbreaking "Dads as Doulas (DaD)" initiative, equip fathers to be advocates in their homes and communities. Through his work, Gunter has become a recognized thought leader in fatherhood advocacy, creating spaces where fathers can share experiences, seek guidance, and celebrate the joys of parenting.Ìý

Spirit of MLK Spotlight AwardÌý

The event will also recognize outstanding individuals through the presentation of the Spirit ofÌýMLKÌýSpotlight Award, honoring those who embody Dr. King's values of service, justice, and community leadership.Ìý

Additional MLK Week EventÌý

The celebrationÌýcontinues onÌýTuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of Ava DuVernay's acclaimed documentary "13th" on the Benton Harbor campus main building (room TBA). This thought-provoking film examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States.Ìý

For more information about the MLK Week events,Ìýor to request accommodations to attend,Ìýplease contact Charmae Sanders, Director of Start to Finish at Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv atÌýcsanders@lakemichigancollege.eduÌýor 269-927-6908.Ìý