Grand Valley State invites community to "Inherit the dream"

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Allendale

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- There will be a compus-wide march and celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus on January 17. Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ed Gordon will speak at the Fieldhouse Arena following the 1:45 p.m. march.

Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs is coordinating this year's MLK program. Oliver Wilson, dean of the Office of Multiculture Affairs, said he wants the entire community to be involved in making this the largest march ever held on Grand Valley's campus. "This invaluable opportunity is certainly a day for remembering what is important to society and creating community unity," said Wilson. "This MLK celebration will join together people of all ages, races, genders and religions. It can only add to the university's commitment to the principles of equal rights."

The celebration is titled, "Honor the March and Inherit the Dream." Wilson continued, "The profound relevance of Dr. King's message for us today justifies this call to action and the importance of involving the entire campus community in this event."

The MLK march begins at 1:45 p.m. at the front steps of Zumberge Library and will continue to the Fieldhouse. The program includes the voices of GVSU and remarks by Ed Gordon, formerly of BET (Black Entertainment Television). He also worked for NBC and MSNBC. The Detroit native earned his bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Western Michigan University.

Gordon was recently hired by NPR to host a new public affairs program, "News & Notes with Ed Gordon." It will spotlight news, trends and issues involving the black community. The one-hour program will be carried weekdays on more than 80 public radio stations including WGVU.

Grand Valley is also co-sponsoring Gordon's 6:30 p.m. appearance at GRCC's Ford Fieldhouse as a continuation of the MLK celebration.