Join Kalamazoo Valley Community College as it honors six community members with extraordinary contributions to freedom, justice and democracy at an MLK Day discussion luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the college’s Texas Township Campus. Honorees range from a U.S. Attorney, YMCA CEO to racial equity change agents.

“In this world, at this time, at all times, honestly, it is essential to celebrate people who do their part to make our community a better place to live in,” said Trice Batson, Valley’s director of diversity and inclusion. “This is a feel-good event. We are honoring deserving unsung citizens in our community.”

Anyone may attend “The 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Annual MLK Beyond the Dream Celebration: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy” event. Admission is free. Each year, the college hosts a communitywide MLK Day program.

The honorees are:
• Byron R. Foster, racial equity change agent
• Gwendolyn L. Moore, community advocate & First Lady of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
• Dave Morgan, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
• Marcy L. Peake, founder of The Center for Cultural Agility
• Mark A. Totten, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
• Jihan Ain Young, Portage City Council member

The program’s three-prong thematic focus was inspired by the official theme for 2025 set by The King Center (The Center for Nonviolent Social Change), which is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.”

“Kalamazoo Valley’s event serves as an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the important work being done in social justice and inspire ongoing efforts towards equity and positive change in Kalamazoo,” Batson said.

Lunch is included. RSVPs are encouraged by Jan. 24 by signing up for meal-planning purposes, but drop-ins are welcome.

In addition to the luncheon, Kalamazoo Valley is honoring Dr. King’s legacy through once again hosting a comprehensive webpage of 2025 MLK Day events and serving opportunities. Check out the calendar at www.kvcc.edu/mlkday.

ABOUT KALAMAZOO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Established in 1966, Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers certificate programs in more than 50 areas of study and associate degrees in 60 others. These include business, healthcare, human and public service, and technical occupations, culinary arts and brewing training. The college has four Kalamazoo, Michigan locations, including the Texas Township Campus, the Groves Campus, the Arcadia Commons Campus and the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. Classes are available during the day, evening, online and weekends.