“Today we are holding MLK service and we are going to be doing various service projects like making blankets, bracelets and card making,” said Black Student Union Volunteer Outreach Chair, Eric Atwood. “Every Martin Luther King day we come together and we do other service projects, last year was cookie making.”

“This year we are actually extending it to a whole week, so we will have more different items as well,”” said NMU Black Student Union President, Marlanaysia Rosser. “So we are … feeding people at the Room at the Inn and giving them meals, we are doing some writing to representatives to create change, making the blankets today and on Friday we are going to package everything up and put them in care packages and also take them to the Room At The Inn.”

Monday, NMU hosted the Advocacy in Action –Writing for Change event from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Hedgcock Atrium. Students, faculty and Marquette residents wrote letters to state legislators advocating for equitable policies and systemic change, with all materials provided by NMU.

“The events are open to everyone,” said Rosser.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman, gives a speech at the Radical Togetherness event, the first event of the weeklong services to celebrate and honor the mission of Martin Luther King Jr. (Journal photo by Antonio Anderson)

Tuesday, NMU hosted the Nourishing Our Neighbors event from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m., at the Room At The Inn. Anyone was welcome in cooking and preparing a meal with the homeless community at Room At The Inn in Marquette, followed by a light clean up. The Black Student Union and the Diversity and Inclusion office is seeking four volunteers to make a difference by sharing food, conversation, and care with those in need. The two organizations hope they can foster connection and provide nourishment to our community. Sign up link here: https://forms.gle/KCGamhBwTdp7ib719.

Tomorrow, NMU is hosting the Pathways to Belonging – Diversity Resource Fair event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Jamrich Hall Atrium. This event offers eventgoers information about organizations championing diversity, equity and inclusion. To help find ways to get involved on campus and beyond.

On Friday, NMU is hosting the Compassion in Action – Kit Assembly & Delivery event from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Hedgcock Atrium. Eventgoers can assemble Winter Care Kits for the Room at the Inn and celebrate the collective community impact of everyone who participated in the MLK Service Week.

“Service is not just an act but a way of life and a central cornerstone of equality and justice,” said NMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Freddy Sims Jr. “Dr. King believed that true justice cannot exist without service because justice requires action. It is a living breathing force that empowers us to fight for justice and equity, not just in the big moments but in every small meaningful direction.”

For those looking to help out during fro the MLK Service Week, but are unable to offer a lot of time. NMU is accepting items for its care kits. The following items are needed: hats, gloves, socks, rain ponchos, emergency blankets, sealed snacks (such as granola bars, protein bars, and more), hand/foot warmers, hygiene items (such as band-aids, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, wipes, antibiotic ointment.) The items can be dropped off at the ODI, Center for Student Enrichment and the Marquette Food Co-Op.

MLK Service Week provides an opportunity for to reflect on Dr. King’s vision by engaging in meaningful acts of service. Whether through volunteering, donating or simply contributing to the collective effort, each action helps build a stronger, more united community said Sims. This week of events is not only about honoring Dr. King’s memory but also about actively participating in his dream of a more just and compassionate world for all. By coming together, to make a tangible impact and continue the work that Dr. King began.

“The Black Student Union was created back in 1978 when racial barriers were still raging” said Artwood. “It was important that people came together to oppose racism and prejudice living in our country. It was also important for us to create a safe space for people in the midst of all of it. Today we still share the same goals that the creators of the Black Student Union had back then. Our organization is not only a safe place for black students but for all of them as well. For me myself, I consider this true. Community is an important idea on campus”

“I love it, especially too since they came out on such a bitterly cold day but I love their passion and their desire to give back to the community,” said Assistant Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, Shawnrece Butler. “That is inspirational and that is why we do these events.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and justice has inspired generations to work toward a more inclusive, compassionate and equitable society. MLK’s words resonate with timeless relevance creating positive change in many communities, and has inspired NMU to take large steps in helping out its local community in his honor.

“I love the fact that we moved from a day service to a week of service. I think that is indicative of this notion that service is not about the moment, it is not about a specific act, it is about a mentality, a mindset and Northern Michigan University has a long way to go in terms of meeting the bar we set for ourselves in establishing that mindset,” said NMU President, Brock Tessman.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is