Honoring MLK Jr.'s legacy in Benton Harbor

NOW: Honoring MLK Jr.’s legacy in Benton Harbor
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BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Two important institutions in Berrien County, Lake Michigan College and Spectrum Health Lakeland, are hosting events all week to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s humanitarian work and show the community their commitment to equity.

“He was about learning, he was about the improving the future, which is what Lake Michigan College is here for is to improve all of our futures, so being a part of this day has never been a second thought,” said Trevor Kubatzke, President of Lake Michigan College.

Leaders finding ways to further that work at home – whether it be through education or acts of goodwill.

Lakeland partnered with United Way of Southwest Michigan to host a community food drive as cars lined Wall Street in Benton Harbor to receive packages full of free groceries.

“There’s about 7,500 pounds of food and we’re hoping to serve about 150 people,” said Anna Murphy, President & CEO of United Way of Southwest Michigan.

At Lake Michigan College, the tradition of a week-long celebration to honor Dr. King continues virtually – with daily trivia and discussions, plus art activities for the entire family.

“Every night at 7 p.m. there’s a discussion group ranging from Juneteenth, to the letters from Birmingham jail, to social justice,” said Kubatzke.

All in an effort to address disparities our communities still face after a year full of calls for justice.

“There was such a strong presence of Martin Luther King Jr. that this is a perfect day to come together, we should be coming together as a community every day, but maybe this could be the start of that,” said Murphy.

For a full list of LMC’s daily activities to commemorate Dr. King, click here.

Lakeland will also host a blood drive Friday from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Consortium for Community Development at 175 West Main Street in Benton Harbor.

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