Black Americans have shaped our country and community in a myriad of ways. This winter, join Kent District Library to learn more about Michigan’s Black history and how history ranging from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement shapes our present and can influence our future.
KDL is pleased to present Honoring the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Weeklong Celebration. Please join January 15-19 for a week of powerful reflections and action that support the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in an inspiring way.
Schedule
Meditations on Democracy in Black America
Monday, Jan. 15, Noon, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Join award-winning author, documentary film producer and University of Kansas professor Dr. Randal Jelks as he provides a moving narrative on the highlights from his book Letters to Martin. This event will include a book signing, relevant topic discussion and a proclamation by Michigan State Representative Kristian Grant. Directly following our kick-off event, the City of Kentwood will host an excerpt recital from the "I Have a Dream" speech and a proclamation by Mayor Stephen Kepley.
King’s Six Principles for Non-Violent Direct Action: Are They Doable?
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6:30 PM, Grandville Branch
Presented by author, podcaster and retired Calvin professor Dr. Michelle Lloyd-Paige, this call to action compels us to promote positive change and have a deeper understanding of society today.
Selma
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 5:30 PM, Wyoming Branch
Together with your library community, view Selma, a historical drama that features the troubling times of voting rights, equality and action in Alabama that will bring forth anger, grief and hope.
Fear Must Not Be Our Future
Thursday, Jan. 18, 1:00 PM, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Join Pastor Joe Jones, former city commissioner and current Assistant Pastor of Brown Hutcherson Ministries, for a presentation on how our nation can improve and move forward with faithful action, not fearful guidance.
Letters to Martin Book Discussion
Friday, Jan. 19, 2:00 PM, Plainfield Twp. Branch
Participate in this small group opportunity to discuss the relevance of action in the reflections of Dr. Randal Jelks’s Letters to Martin.
