MSU’s Project 60/50 began in 2014 as a community-oriented conversation starter that derived its name and mission from the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These two historical pieces of legislation were born from a diverse yet united community’s countless hours of organized campaigning and conversation to achieve the worthy and crucial goal of equality.

The struggle for civil rights continues in this country, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on progress and assess what lies ahead. Dr. King has brought hope, inspiration and motivation to millions during and after his lifetime. His encouragement of peaceful protest and widespread awareness of ongoing discrimination remain relevant today.

MSU and Greater Lansing community members are welcome to join the conversation on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18. Follow the links for more information and registration. For more detailed information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day events you can view this PDF or this web page .

Sunday, January 17

“Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer & Protest” concert, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. MSU Auditorium. Sponsored by MSU College of Music and MSU Jazz Studies. 

Monday, January 18

Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, 11 a.m., Lansing Center

“The Fight Against Hate Crimes,” 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 115 International Center. Sponsored by MSU School of Social Work.

Luncheon and discussion, noon – 2:30 p.m., Holmes Hall. Hosted by Lyman Briggs College

MLK Commemorative March, 2:30 – 4:15 p.m., MSU Union to Administration. Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

“The History of Student Activism at MSU,” 4: 15 – 5 p.m., MSU Museum

At this point the Endowed Scholarship Fundraiser Community Dinner has reached capacity.

At MSU Human Resources, we are grateful for the influence of Dr. King and look forward to continuing the conversation on diversity and equality.