Eastern Michigan University will hold its 40th annual President’s Luncheon as part of a week-long series of events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. The luncheon is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Student Center in Ypsilanti. Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior advisor, will deliver the keynote address. WXYZ Channel 7 anchor Glenda Lewis is set to host the event.
Themed “His Dream. Our Action.”, the luncheon aims to celebrate progress toward Dr. King’s vision and reaffirm commitments to equality and advancement. Attendees can expect musical performances and remarks from several guests and dignitaries, as well as a scholarship presentation recognizing emerging leaders.
“EMU is proud to honor the enduring legacy of a true visionary whose influence continues to shape our world,” said Dwight Hamilton, EMU’s chief access and opportunity officer and luncheon co-chair. “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Jean-Pierre, whose lifelong commitment to public service embodies the values and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Jean-Pierre started her career in New York City government before moving into national politics at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, where she focused on corporate accountability. She joined Barack Obama’s campaign team in 2008 and served as deputy battleground states director during his 2012 re-election campaign.
She later worked as a senior advisor and White House press secretary under President Joe Biden, becoming the first Black person, first openly queer person, and longest-serving woman in that role.
Jean-Pierre has received recognition for her leadership in public service and social justice with honors such as the MLK Day Visionary Award in 2020 and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Award in 2023.
Her most recent book, “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines,” draws on her experience in the Biden administration to examine today’s political climate.
“Jean-Pierre’s career is a powerful testament to transforming opportunity into lasting impact,” said Melissa Thrasher, EMU’s executive director of Media Relations and luncheon co-chair. “Much like King, she has broken barriers and redefined leadership for generations to come.”
“Throughout her career, Jean-Pierre has secured her place in history by building bridges and creating space not only for herself, but for countless others,” said Kevin Williams, EMU’s director of Access and Opportunity Programming.
Sponsors for this year’s luncheon include DTE Energy Company (https://dteenergy.com/), law firm Dickinson Wright (https://www.dickinson-wright.com/), and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s King-Chavez-Parks Visiting Professor Program (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/).
Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan’s second-oldest public university. It enrolls over 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral programs with more than 300 academic offerings through its various colleges.
More information about MLK Celebration Week events or ticket purchases can be found on Eastern Michigan University’s website (https://www.emich.edu/mlk/). Details about university rankings are available online (https://www.emich.edu/about/facts/rankings.php), along with further facts about EMU (https://www.emich.edu/about/facts/index.php) or news updates via EMU Today (https://today.emich.edu/).