Office of the Governor

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

January 20, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

*Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Proclaim January 20 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Michigan * 

 

*LANSING, Mich. *– Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist issued a proclamation declaring Monday, January 20, 2025, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Michigan. Dr. King was a civil rights activist and leader, who dedicated his life to fighting for equality, justice and opportunity for all. 

 

“For 39 years, Michigan has proudly honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a great American whose courage and vision continues to inspire us all,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “Dr. King challenged us to dream big, fight hard, and work together to create a more just and equal society. As we celebrate his legacy, let’s recommit ourselves to carrying forward his example through service, kindness, and action.” 

 

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us the power of courage, conviction, and community in driving meaningful change and helping every person achieve health and wealth,” said *Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor*. “As we observe the 39th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to not only celebrate Dr. King’s legacy but to live it every day by standing up for justice, equality, and opportunity for all.” 

 

“Time after time, history has shown us that those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place are the ones remembered eternally,” said *Tammy McCrory, Chair of the Michigan Black Leadership Advisory Council Health Committee*. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proved this with his extraordinary actions, using his many talents to unite people from all walks of life despite the adversity he faced. It is my hope that we, as a human race, continue to be socially conscious and work towards leaving positive and uplifting legacies, just as King dreamed—a legacy of unity, hope, and progress for future generations."  

 

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and it's up to us to make that dream a reality!” *Marshall Collins, Michigan Black Leadership Advisory Council*. 

 

“As Dr. King said many years ago about our collective silence around the tragedy that was Vietnam, we must in this present day ‘break the silence’,” said *Monique Marks, CEO Franklin Wright Settlements*. “We must speak out and up for democracy. We have to take the risk of truth. Diversity, inclusion, and equity are not bad words. Don't sit back.  We have a duty, we have a responsibility, we have a calling to speak up and out against the forces that seek to turn back the clock of fairness. They will not do it on my watch. Do not let them do it on yours!”  

“In our homes, schools and workplaces, we know what is right in our hearts,” said* Jametta Lilly CEO Detroit Parent Network*.* *“We know how we should treat each other and the work that must be done to create The Promise of a Just America. Let us love and teach our children through our own examples and those of the countless advocates throughout time and currently around us, the enduring power of knowledge, hope and the courage to speak truth to powers that would silence and send us back to the past.” 

 

“As we prepare to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr let us never forget that he lived a life of service and helping others,” said* Reverand Richard White, President Council of Baptist Pastors*. “I believe that in 2025 with all the challenges that we are facing we commit to lives of serving wherever we can! Let us follow in the legacy of Dr. King by serving and making our world a better place! As Dr. King stated, ‘Everybody can be great because everybody can serve’.”   

 

Today marks the 39th anniversary of the first observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a U.S. federal holiday. 

 

View full proclamation here [ [link removed] ]. 

 

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