Lake Michigan College to Host Annual MLK Community Breakfast

Lake Michigan College invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual MLK Community Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in Grand Upton Hall at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center in Benton Harbor. 

This free community event will bring together students, leaders, and the community to honor Dr. King's vision and explore this year's theme: “Steps Toward the Dream." The morning will feature inspiring performances, meaningful student perspectives, and a powerful keynote address. 

Event Details: 

• What: MLK Community Breakfast 

• When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30am 

• Where: Grand Upton Hall, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, Benton Harbor, MI 

• Cost: Free and open to the public 

• RSVP: Required. Register before Jan 12, 2026 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqEeL8MRYlhdEBUuvBTNUGBGPQY0AUkfktQtUcyJ9pdB9Dcw/viewform?usp=publish-editor 

The MLK Community Breakfast is proudly sponsored by Corewell Health. 

Musical Performances 

The program will showcase the uplifting voices of All God's Children Choir, directed by Shana Pollard, and the LMC Choir, directed by Becky Selvidge. Special guest David Brock, a professional gospel artist from Benton Harbor and Associate Minister and Minister of Music at Second Baptist Church, will perform. 

Student Speakers 

Two exceptional local high school students will share their reflections on Dr. King's enduring legacy and the ongoing journey toward realizing his dream. Olivia Sturgis from Benton Harbor High School and Gianna McLellan from St. Joseph High School were selected by their school principals and guidance staff to offer their perspectives on progress and hope for the future. 

Keynote Speaker: James Gunter 

The breakfast will feature James Gunter, Executive Director of Present Pillars, as keynote speaker. A Benton Harbor native, Gunter has dedicated his life to strengthening families and communities through fatherhood advocacy. As a trained doula and passionate advocate, he founded Present Pillars to provide resources, education, and support to fathers and families. His innovative programs, including the groundbreaking "Dads as Doulas (DaD)" initiative, equip fathers to be advocates in their homes and communities. Through his work, Gunter has become a recognized thought leader in fatherhood advocacy, creating spaces where fathers can share experiences, seek guidance, and celebrate the joys of parenting. 

Spirit of MLK Spotlight Award 

The event will also recognize outstanding individuals through the presentation of the Spirit of MLK Spotlight Award, honoring those who embody Dr. King's values of service, justice, and community leadership. 

Additional MLK Week Event 

The celebration continues on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of Ava DuVernay's acclaimed documentary "13th" on the Benton Harbor campus main building (room TBA). This thought-provoking film examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. 

For more information about the MLK Community Breakfast or MLK Week events, or to request accommodations to attend, please visit lakemichigancollege.edu/MLK or contact Charmae Sanders, Director of Start to Finish at Lake Michigan College at csanders@lakemichigancollege.edu or 269-927-6908.