Bell-ringing event to feature special guest Mary Ellen Norwood Ford!
“Ring a Bell for Freedom” is a remembrance of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. It is organized by The Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission. This is being held at the Michigan State Capitol this evening.
The gathering will be encouraged to use a hashtag of #LansingMLK50
The Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission will be accompanied by Mary Ellen Norwood Ford, an eyewitness to the assassination and pictured in the iconic photo of King lying on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
The public is invited. It is occuring today Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
Program begins at 6:30 p.m.; bell-ringing ceremony is at 7:01 p.m.
On the steps of the Michigan State Capitol Building, Lansing.
The public can bring their own bell and/or purchase a commemorative bell, $20, at Larry Cushion Trophy, Frandor Shopping Center. Proceeds from bell sales will help fund the Commission‘s initiatives.
The event is supported by City of East Lansing, East Lansing Mayor’s Office, City of Lansing, Lansing Mayor’s Office and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.
About the Commission: It is a non-profit, appointed-body comprised of volunteer representatives dedicated to preserving the legacy and teachings of Dr. King, supporting community agencies, and empowering youth to achieve educational goals.
• The Commission’s focus is on the area’s pressing needs of literacy, youth violence, hunger, mentoring, education and community enrichment.
• Accomplishments include:
o Awarded more than $60,000 in grants to community service agencies. o Awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships.
o Created the King Legacy and Service Award recognizing one person annually for selfless, exemplary service and dedication to Greater Lansing.
o Annually sponsor a delegation of high school students to attend the eight-day, Y-Achievers Cultural Immersion Transportation Study & Black College Tour.
• The Commission organizes the largest MLK Day holiday annual luncheon celebration in the country. It is attended by nearly 1,500 people and features a keynote speaker who has been instrumental in the civil rights movement.
