EAST LANSING, Mich. – Civil rights activist Joanne Bland is the featured speaker at a public event hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.
“Joanne’s story of her family’s involvement in the civil rights movement is incredibly fascinating and moving,” said Elaine Hardy, MLK Commission chair. “We’re excited to share it with others in Mid-Michigan.”Bland will recount her experiences at the forefront of the some of the nation’s most consequential civil rights battles.
She is one of the youngest person involved in the three 1965 Selma marches that advocated for voting rights: Bloody Sunday, Turn Around Tuesday, and the first leg of the successful march from Selma to Montgomery. By the time she was 11 years old, she had been arrested 13 times.
She is also one of seven black students who integrated A.G. Parish High School in Selma. Her involvement in the civil rights movement led her to cofound of the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, Alabama.
Tickets for “An Evening with Joanne Bland” are free with a suggested $10 donation at the door. Tickets must be picked up at the Hannah Center in advance of the program.
Event co-sponsors are MSU Federal Credit Union and East Lansing Human Relations Commission.
Bland is also the featured speaker at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic Club luncheon the same day. The events are a continuation of the commission’s recognition of the 55th anniversary of the Selma marches and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan works to support equality, diversity and social justice. It focuses on the area’s pressing issues of literacy, youth violence, hunger, mentoring, education and community enrichment. The nonprofit organization hosts speakers and concerts, supports community service agencies, and promotes youth initiatives, such as essay and art contests, college scholarships and an annual Y-Achievers tour for high school students.
# # #
Additional information regarding Joanne Bland's visit to the Lansing region.
Prominent Civil Rights Activist to Speak to February Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic Club
LANSING, Mich. – In partnership with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will welcome Joanne Bland, co-founder and former director of the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, Ala., for its February Economic Club.
February Economic Club
Feb. 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Bland has been a witness and participant in some of the nation’s most significant civil rights battles. Bland has marched with Martin Luther King Jr., as well as alongside 600 peaceful protesters on "Bloody Sunday." She also was believed to be the youngest among them. She was also one of seven Black students to integrate A.G. Parish High School. Bland’s early involvement in the struggle against Jim Crow has been the foundation for her civil and human rights work throughout her life.
The February Lansing Regional Chamber Economic Club luncheon is sponsored by Sparrow Health, Gladstone Printing, MessageMakers and Michigan Premier Events are the event, print, multimedia and event management sponsors. For more information, please contact Ashlee Willis at michiganpremierevents@lansingchamber.org
###
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow and thrive. For more than 115 years, the LRCC has served as the trusted voice and business leader of the Lansing region. More information on the LRCC, its programs and services can be found online at www.lansingchamber.org , Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@LansingChamber) and LinkedIn.
