Johnson to present MLK keynote Wednesday

Jeff Johnson, journalist, author and political commentator, continues the theme of popular culture and social change during the campus’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week.

Johnson’s presentation will begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room. It is free and open to the public.

His presentation will be simulcast to the Eberhard Center, allowing students, faculty and staff members at the Pew Grand Rapids Campus to participate in the event.

Johnson is a regular contributor to MSNBC and the executive editor of Politic365.com. He chairs the Jeff Johnson Institute for Urban Development, an institution committed to recruiting and developing 80,000 African American male teachers.

He has worked for Black Entertainment Television, served as an advisor for the NCAAP’s youth and college division, and worked as vice president of Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Summit Action Network. Her serves on the boards of the National Urban Fellows and the HBCU Hall of Fame Foundation.

Prior to his presentation, two awards will be given, recognizing a community organization and faculty member for their commitment to diversity.

Jennifer Stewart, associate professor of sociology, will receive the Faculty and Staff Service Award. Stewart established and continues to serve as advisor for Act on Racism.

The Urban Core Collective will receive the Community Service Award. The organization is a collaboration of many community outreach networks, including the Urban League, Baxter Community Center, Hispanic Center of West Michigan and others.

The Voices of GVSU gospel choir will sing at the event.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/mlk.