Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is Jackson College’s annual event honoring Dr. King’s legacy and celebrating individuals who embody his commitment to service. The event also features the presentation of the King Medal of Service Award. 2027 EVENTSave the Date Saturday, January 16, 20275:30 p.m. Social Hour 6 p.m. Dinner & Program George E. Potter Center Dining CommonsJackson College Central Campus2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201 Keynote Speaker Chantay BollingerOwner and Operator, Chick-fil-A Jackson The King Medal of Service Award nomination form and event sponsorship opportunities coming soon! 2026 Event Highlights King Medal of Service Award The Jackson College King Medal of Service Award honors individuals and organizations who give their time, talent and resources to make our community a better place. The award is presented annually as part of Jackson College’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Past Recipients 2025: Lee Hampton 2024: Jeremy Patterson 2023: Anthony Parker 2022: Monica Pierce 2021: Benny Poole 2020: Arlene Robinson 2019: Harold White Jr. 2018: Alan Wade 2017: Robert Burton, Sr. 2016: Bobby Thompkins 2015: Farris Coppage, Jr. 2014: Barbara and Ron Bradley 2013: Sheila A. Patterson; Carl Breeding 2012: Woodrow Wilson, Jr. 2011: Judith Ganton; Renell Weathers 2010: Bobby Burton; Golden Gibson; Gail Mahoney 2009: Francis Reeves; Ernestine Simmons; Frank Weathers 2008: Pastor Frank Hampton; Janice Fairly 2007: Charlie Anderson; Pat Anderson; Reverend Jay Cummings 2006: Dr. David Hamilton; Pastor James Hines; Shirley Pitts; Shelly Saines 2005: Margarita Silva-Potts; Marsha A. Kreucher; Pete Wright; Russell Davis III; Leslie Montgomery; Ted Miller; The Rev. A.P. Williams 2004: Bart Hawley (MLK Celebration – January); Helen Campbell; Gus Krudwig; Lou Cubille; Wanda Holmes; Eileen Lehnert; Billie Oliver (Juneteenth Ceremony – June) 2026 Recipient James Johnson Jr. About James Johnson Jr. James Johnson Jr. is a longtime Jackson community leader known for his commitment to equity, service, and advocacy for working families. After moving to Jackson as a child and growing up in Kings Community Homes, he graduated from Jackson High School and built a 25-year career as an electrician. He now serves as a business agent for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), representing workers across Jackson County and leading efforts related to workforce development, political engagement, and community service. Johnson has held leadership roles with United Way, including serving as a past board chair, and continues to serve on the Skilled Trades Task Force and several City of Jackson commissions. Guided by lived experience, his work focuses on expanding access to opportunity and ensuring equitable treatment for all. He has also sought public office to elevate the voices of working-class residents and advocate for their needs. About Who We Are About the College Maroon & Gold Standards Strategic Agenda Locations Central Campus Jackson College Hillsdale Hillsdale County Early Middle College Jackson College Lenawee Jackson College Global Fast Facts Careers Leadership Board of Trustees Members Meetings Policies By-Laws Performance Monitoring File a Complaint President’s Office About the President Initiatives Advocacy Executive Order Compliance Former Presidents Resources Executive Council Academic Council Instructional Quality Committees Organizational Charts History Heritage Center Awards & Recognition Community Awards Distinguished Service Award MLK Celebration Employee Awards Outstanding Administrator Award Outstanding Faculty Award Outstanding Staff Award TCS2 Award Student Recognition Dean’s List Outstanding Student Award Points of Pride Institutional Info & Reporting Accreditation Consumer Information Disclosures Distance Education and State Authorization Disclosures Professional Licensure Disclosures Policies & Procedures Transparency Reporting
