On the date of the civil rights leader’s 95th birthday, community members braved the frigid weather and gathered to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Themed “Momentum versus Regression – Striving for a Level Playing Field,” the 45th annual event included an inspiring keynote address by 67th District Court Judge Tabitha Marsh. Elected in 2020, Judge Marsh is the only female currently serving on the City of Flint District Court bench and the only African American female serving on the Genesee County District Court bench. Another uplifting speech was offered by MLK Essay Contest winner, Joshua Tewolde, a 16-year-old junior at Grand Blanc High School and two-time recipient of the Presidential Service Award. He received a $500 prize for his essay entry written on the theme.
Presented by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee, the dinner celebration was co-sponsored by Mott Community College, The University of Michigan-Flint, Kettering University, the Flint Jewish Federation, Hamilton Community Health Network and the Flint & Genesee Group.