BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan— On Monday, January 21, 2019, The Roeper School, an independent day school for gifted children, will honor and celebrate the ideals and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at its annual MLK family event. The life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. resonates strongly with The Roeper School. He embodied the beliefs that the school holds dear and that are deeply ingrained not only in its curriculum, but that resonate every day in its classrooms and hallways: equality, social justice, respect, responsibility, self-control and peaceful conflict resolution. The community will gather together to hear inspirational words, share a meal, enjoy entertainment and listen to personal reflections on how Dr. King’s beliefs and actions have impacted their lives.  All of the evening’s events are free and open to the public and serve as a reminder that fighting for the dream of freedom, democracy, tolerance, respect and opportunity continues.

4:00pm Student Panel Discussion – Families are invited to listen to a student panel discussion on the topic of the Civil & Human Rights Movement of today moderated by faculty member, Aaron Robinson.  A student and staff led activity follows.

5:00pm Light Meal & Ceremony – The program continues at 5:00pm in the gymnasium with a variety of soup and bread. The ceremony follows at 6:00pm during which time reflections are shared regarding the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. Community members sing songs and share poems and other works.

6:45pm Candlelight Walk – At approximately 6:45pm, candles are distributed and the traditional Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Walk begins from the Community Center to Roeper’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Domes, built in 1969 in his memory. Attendees of all ages then gather in the Big Dome where they share thoughts about Dr. King, his impact on their lives and on the world today and the work that still needs to be done.

The tradition of the Roeper Candlelight Walk in Dr. King’s memory began in the early 80s, initiated and led by Roeper high school students with about 25 people in attendance. It has since grown to over 400 people having become one of Roeper’s favorite events. All attendees are encouraged to bring at least one nonperishable food item to donate to Roeper’s community food bank project with Gleaners led by Stage III and IV students (Grades 2–5).

Overflow parking and shuttle service is available from 6:00-9:30 p.m. at the Stoneridge parking lot south of Roeper.