Davenport University hosting MLK events and national speaker

Students work on service project for Grand Rapids’ AYA Youth Collective

Nationally recognized expert in Black women’s empowerment and philanthropy and Black voting rights and suppression, LaTosha Brown, will come to Davenport University as part of several appearances in Grand Rapids to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Brown will visit Davenport University’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus on January 21 to participate in its annual MLK celebration. The event, will begin with a conversation-style Q&A with Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., Davenport president and will recognize the winners of the annual MLK Day essay contest.

This event begins at 2 p.m. in Davenport’s auditorium, 6191 Kraft Avenue SE, Grand Rapids. It will be live streamed for anyone unable to attend in person.

Brown will also serve as the keynote speaker for the 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration on Jan. 20 at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE., Grand Rapids. This special event celebrates Martin Luther King through powerful music, Brown’s keynote address and the announcement of the annual Inherit the Dream Scholarship recipients. The commemoration, made possible through a longstanding partnership between Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. It will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Campus service project

Davenport University students are invited to participate in a meaningful service opportunity by creating tie blankets for Grand Rapids’ AYA Youth Collective, whose vision is to create a society where all youth have support, stable housing and belonging. This opportunity will take place on Jan. 22 from 7-9 p.m. in Davenport’s Center for Learning and Engagement, located on its W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus.

Brown is uniquely poised to lead the MLK celebrations. She has won numerous awards for her work and is the Co-Founder of several groups whose focus is to boost Black voter registration and turnout and increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities. She is also the founder and co-anchor of a regional network, Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium, that invests in organizations that serve Black women and girls.

Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. said as we honor Dr. King, let us recommit ourselves to his vision. “Let us remember that the fight for equality is far from over, and that each of us has a role to play,” said Pappas. “At Davenport, we pledge to continue doing our part—by educating students, partnering with leaders in our communities and building pathways so all have the opportunity to succeed.”

For more information on the 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration, or the celebration at Davenport, click here.