In a moving tribute to the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Greater Detroit District gathered once again to honor his life, his dreams, and his call to continue moving forward. The 31st annual celebration was held at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, bringing together clergy, congregants, and community members for a time of worship, song, prayer, and reflection.
The event began with a warm reception at 2:30 p.m., providing a space for attendees to connect and share stories of hope and perseverance. At 3:30 p.m., the sanctuary came alive with the sounds of song and the powerful words of Dr. King himself: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This quote served as the theme for this year’s celebration, reminding all in attendance of the urgency of making progress—despite turmoil, despite animosity, despite setbacks.
The service was a journey through prayer, litany, and music. The French United Methodist Church Choir and professional mezzo-soprano Dorothy Duensing offered vocal performances of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” in both French and English. Their voices carried messages of hope and resilience
One of the highlights of the celebration was the presentation of scholarships to high school seniors who exemplify the Christian values of Dr. King. These young individuals were recognized not only for their academic achievements but also for their commitment to justice and service within their communities.
- Adelyn Hayles from Wyandotte First United Methodist Church
- Antonia Ballah from Grace Community United Methodist Church
- Ellis Saye Vanbolden from Grace Community United Methodist Church
- Kaela Jordan from Grace Community United Methodist Church
- Mackenzie McDaniel from Hope United Methodist Church
- Marissa Ford from Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church
This year’s celebration also introduced a new initiative—The Beloved Community Grant—designed to support churches that are actively working to build inclusive, justice-focused ministries.
The first recipients of this grant were:
- Commerce United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Andy Lee
- Mount Clemens First United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Dan Hart
- Walled Lake United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Kenny Walkup
- French United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Gertrude Mukalay
These congregations were celebrated for their dedication to creating spaces that reflect Dr. King’s vision of a “beloved community,” where all people are valued and justice prevails.
Another powerful moment came with the presentation of the Drum Major for Justice Award, an honor bestowed upon individuals who use their lives as platforms to speak for justice and equality.
This year’s recipients were:
- Rev. Elizabeth Hurd from West Bloomfield UMC
- Frank Driscoll from Cass Community UMC
Both honorees were recognized for their tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to social justice.
In the spirit of continuing the dream, the Greater Detroit District invites everyone to support the scholarships for 2026. These scholarships provide critical financial assistance to students who embody the principles of Dr. King. The 2025 scholarships were funded in part by a grant from the District and by generous individual donations. Contributions for the 2026 scholarships can be made by clicking the button below.