Members of the West Michigan community gathered at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Feb. 4 to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his enduring legacy. The 40th Annual Commemoration was scheduled for January 19, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. Davenport University was a co-sponsor of this community celebration, along with Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College.

The focus of this year’s commemoration was inspired by the King Center’s 2026 theme, “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” It celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. through the powerful music of West Michigan Jewels of Africa and Tyreece Guyton & Family Soul Collective; moving poetry from the Diatribe; an energized panel discussion and the announcement of the annual Inherit the Dream Scholarship recipients.

Davenport President Richard J. Pappas, Madison Phillips and Majesty White, DEI facilitator.

This year’s winner of Davenport’s Inherit the Dream Scholarship was Madison Phillips from Laingsburg High School. She looks forward to studying health and human services case management and occupational therapy at Davenport.

Panelists Leadriane Roby, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Rev. Jerry Bishop, senior pastor at Lifequest Urban Outreach Center, engaged in an honest conversation that organizers hope will lead to tangible action in the local community. 

Roby and Bishop discussed several topics, including what courageous leadership looks like in Grand Rapids. 

“It’s always the right time to do what’s right, especially for those in our community who haven’t always had a voice,” said Roby. 

Bishop agreed with Roby, saying that the central component of courageous leadership is having courage. “We should all dedicate some component of our day to making a difference against the injustices in our community,” he said.   

Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D, said that celebrating Dr. King is needed now, more than ever. “As a leader, it’s my responsibility to speak out against racism and other injustices, but it’s everyone’s responsibility,” said Pappas. “As Dr. Martin Luther King once said, ‘Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that. It’s time for us to stand tall and provide light for all of those who can’t.’

Davenport’s rescheduled MLK celebration will be held on March 18 at the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus, starting at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. It will include a conversation-style Q&A with President Pappas and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. Winners of the annual MLK Day essay contest will also be announced. It will conclude with a silent march around campus. The event will be live streamed.

Click here for more information, including the live stream link.