Community and Business Leaders Gather to Celebrate the Life of Dr. King
Cinnaire president & CEO Mark McDaniel joined former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, U.S. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows and members of the MLK Commission to host the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Annual Holiday Luncheon Celebration. Mark served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, the longest running and largest celebration in the country paying tribute to Dr. King. Cinnaire has been a longtime supporter of the commission, sharing their vision for creating communities that celebrate diversity and provide opportunities for empowerment for all people.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
The theme for the 34th Annual Holiday Luncheon
The MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteer representatives dedicated to preserving the legacy and teachings of Dr. King, supporting community agencies, and empowering youth to achieve educational goals. Their work is guided by Dr. King’s teachings and philosophy of love, tolerance, and nonviolence. The commission serves the Mid-Michigan community year-round, focusing their efforts on addressing issues surrounding education, mentoring, youth violence, literacy, community enrichment and more. Programs include college scholarships, student essay and art contests and the annual 8-day Y-Achievers Cultural Immersion Transportation Study & College Tour for high school students.
“At Cinnaire, our work is guided by the teachings of Dr. King,” said Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire president & CEO. “We believe in equality. For 26 years, we have worked year-round to promote diversity and inclusion in our organization and in the communities we serve. The mission of the commission mirrors the Why of Cinnaire – we have an unwavering belief that all people deserve the opportunities provided by living in healthy communities.”
Former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder provided the keynote for the event. Governor Wilder became the first African-American elected governor in U.S. history, leading the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1990-1994. He was also the first African-American state senator in Virginia since Reconstruction and served five terms. Governor Wilder persisted in sponsoring legislation that eventually led to establishing a state holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During his keynote, Governor Wilder encouraged attendees to participate in civic life and to encourage youth to do the same.
Cinnaire serves as a monumental partner for the commission, donating $50,000 that supports college scholarships to essay competitors who are seniors in high school. MacDonald Broadcasting, Jackson National Life, Delta Dental, LAFCU, and MSU Federal Credit Union join Cinnaire in supporting the Commission’s work.
“We are proud to join the business and community leaders that are standing together to support the mission of the MLK Commission,” said McDaniel. “Together, we can ensure the next generation has equal access to opportunities and the skills needed to ‘Be the Change’ they wish to see in the world. Together, we can inspire and empower young people.”
The essay competition is open to Lansing-area students. The Mark McDaniel Legacy Scholarship honors Mark’s unwavering support of the commission’s work and his commitment to helping people from all backgrounds, especially in achieving higher education. We are pleased to announce the 2019 Mark McDaniel Scholarship Recipients:
Kaleb A. Elam
2019 Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship Winner
East Lansing High School
Kaleb is a youth leader at his church, Tabernacle of David. He obtained CAAC All Conference Honors for varsity football at East Lansing High School. Kaleb also participated in the Turning Point Mentoring Program and Y-Achiever.
Monta Williams
2019 Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship Winner
Everett High School
Monta is involved in the Youth People Division at his church and helps his grandmother while caring for his siblings. He is also a member of the Turning Point Mentoring Program with plans to attend Hampton University.
Koren King
2019 Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship Finalist
Everett High School
Koren is a Future Docs Program and a Health Sciences Scholar Institute Program participant. She is the Vice President of Student Council and National Honors Society. Koren is also the captain of the Varsity Volleyball team and volunteers in the community.
Siham Abdallah-Hassan
2019 Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship Finalist
Everett High School
Siham volunteers at her Mosque, Nawja Foundation, and the National Honor Society. She is a College Ambassador and president of Student Council.
Naylen Saunders
2019 Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship Finalist
Waverly High School
Naylen is Co-President of the National Technical Honors Society, Historian of the Black Student Union, and Step Team Leader. He is also interning at Meridian Heating and Cooling, and volunteering in various capacities at his church, Lansing Church of God in Christ.
