UM-Flint to celebrate its 30th annual Day of Service in honor of MLK

For the past three decades, the University of Michigan-Flint has recognized the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting its annual Day of Service. Now in its 30th year, the event highlights the university's focus on engaged citizenship and provides an opportunity to support Genesee County residents while upholding King's legacy. The day's events begin at 8:30 a.m. with a keynote breakfast featuring a panel of three UM-Flint alumni who share a rich history of on-campus advocacy.

The panelists include Kyle Manley, '14, who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology; Brittini Ward, '15, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication; and Shaquille Greene, '14, who earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education. The trio were involved in campaigning for what would eventually become the UM-Flint's Intercultural Center during their time on campus. To this day, the ICC provides services like advising and advocacy workshops and serves as a cornerstone for many student organizations. 

Previous event speakers have included Rev. Patrick McNeal, director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council, and Diane Goodman, an author and social justice advocate who hosted a session for faculty on fostering inclusive classrooms and learning environments. Those keynote speakers were selected by the Campus Cultural Events Committee, with the decision serving as the foundation for each year's event. "We think about what aspects of Dr. King's legacy we want to highlight, and we identify a speaker who can do that," said Luke.

After the keynote breakfast, student, faculty and staff participants can volunteer with a variety of organizations and community partners, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, Crossover Downtown Outreach Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, Michigan Blood, and/or tying no-sew blankets for Flint's disadvantaged population to be used by DPS and local shelters. "The University of Michigan-Flint is uniquely located in the heart of the city and I think we have a responsibility to our community because of that synergy," said Gary Ashley, program manager for the university's Office of Engaged Learning. "Anytime we are able to work alongside our community that's a great thing."

"A great way students can maximize their experience in the community is to engage with it, and MLK Day is a good place to start," said Luke. "We usually have more than a hundred people dispatched into the community at different service sites. Students should let that be the starting point for their time at UM-Flint, and should continue to engage with the community to make an impact (beyond this one particular day)."

One of the primary goals to come out of the event for Luke and the rest of the CCE committee is placing an emphasis on continued service by the student volunteers. "We want to see everyone embrace volunteerism as a meaningful part and enhancement to their college education," said LaQwana Dockery, Intercultural Center program manager. "I would encourage students not just to take MLK Day off, but to think about the difference that they want to make at UM-Flint and for the entire Flint community. This is an opportunity for students to build community relationships and partnerships that will continue for, possibly, the rest of their lives."

While the annual Day of Service is a marquee event, the university emphasizes ongoing engagement as part of its "More Than a Day" initiative. The CCE committee hopes that participants are encouraged to seek out additional volunteer opportunities long after the day's opportunities end. To assist with this, the Office of Engaged Learning offers opportunities such as service tracks which allow students to be recognized for continued service to the community during commencement. By offering additional events like monthly "Service Saturdays" and summer service breaks, the OEL ensures that every student has a role they can regularly play in the community, no matter their circumstances.

"We encourage everyone to participate whether or not they are part of the university," said Dockery. "Every year, there is a good amount of community participation, which we love to see. Flint is a city rich in activism, community work and community organizing. We hope that the events of the day will embody those strengths and continue to reflect the true meaning of Dr. King's legacy and his dream for equality and social justice."