McDaniel Butler Scholarships Awarded during MLK Day of Celebration.
Cinnaire was honored to sponsor and take part in the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration, hosted by the MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan on January 19 at the Lansing Center. As part of Cinnaire’s long-standing partnership with the Commission, Cinnaire CEO Mark McDaniel once again served as Honorary Chairperson and co-emcee of the program. More than 1,500 community members gathered to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and recommit to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity across the region.
The program was guided by the 2026 theme, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream,” offering powerful reminders of Dr. King’s enduring call to action and our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable society.
The celebration featured inspiring performances by the Detroit Youth Choir and the Urban Art Orchestra, bringing together music, reflection, and hope. Attendees also heard compelling keynote addresses from legendary civil rights activist Diane Nash, a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Both speakers emphasized the importance of sustained organizing, courage, and accountability to Dr. King’s vision.
Distinguished guests included U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and elected leaders from across Mid-Michigan, reflecting the event’s stature as one of the largest and longest-running MLK Day celebrations in the nation.
A highlight of the program was the recognition of the McDaniel Butler Scholarship recipients—exceptional students who exemplify leadership, service, and a commitment to advancing equity in their schools and communities. Named in honor of Mark McDaniel and longtime community leader and partner James Butler III, the scholarships reflect a shared belief in education as a pathway to justice and opportunity.
The Commission also honored outstanding community leaders whose service embodies Dr. King’s legacy. Maxine Hankins Cain received the Legacy Service Award, and Larry Johnson was recognized with the Keeper of the Dream Award.
“Cinnaire is honored to stand alongside the MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan and so many committed leaders and residents who are carrying forward Dr. King’s call to action,” said Mark McDaniel, President and CEO of Cinnaire. “Our support of this celebration and these scholarships reflects our belief that justice and equity are built through sustained investment in people, opportunity, and community.”
Cinnaire is proud to support the MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan not only on this important day of reflection, but throughout the year. The Commission’s programs, scholarships, and community initiatives align closely with our mission to create equitable, vibrant, and thriving communities.