EAST LANSING, Mich. — Tickets are now available for the Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission’s 30th Annual Luncheon. The luncheon, held each year to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will take place on Monday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave.
Tickets can be purchased at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, and Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $40 per person or $320 for a table of eight. Tickets can also still be purchased over the phone at (517) 483-7637.
The theme for the 2014 luncheon is: “The Ultimate Measure of a Man Is Not Where He Stands In Moments Of Comfort And Convenience, but Where He Stands in Times of Challenge and Controversy.”
This year’s program will feature keynote speaker Mr. Henry “Hank” James Thomas, one of the original 13 Freedom Riders. In 1961, the Freedom Riders traveled on Greyhound and Trailway buses through the south to protest racial segregation. Confronted with hatred and death, the Freedom Riders and their brave journey became one of the most pivotal events in American history.
Thomas emerged as a leader and an activist. He later served in the Vietnam War, was injured in battle and came home with a purple heart. He received the Buffalo Soldier Award from Howard University in 2006. In 2011, he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
Other highlights of the Jan. 19 luncheon will include the honoring of middle and high school students who participated and placed in the Commission’s essay and scholarship program and a number of special presentations by gospel music recording artist Pastor Marvin Sapp.
For more information contact the Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission at (517) 483-7637.
Tickets Also Available for 5th Annual Music of the Dream ConcertTickets are also available for the Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission’s 5th Annual Music of the Dream Gospel Concert; celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 W. Shaw Lane in East Lansing.
The concert will feature award-winning artist Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbet and Geoffrey Golden
Tickets can be purchased at the Wharton Center box office or at whartoncenter.com. Tickets start at $31. Call 1-800-WHARTON for more details.
For more information, contact the Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission at (517) 483-7637.