Eastern Michigan University celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a visit from Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary.
First hosted on Jan. 20, 1986, the annual MLK Luncheon has welcomed dozens of guests to EMU's campus, organized to recognize the legacy of civil rights activist and leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Prior to the Luncheon, Jean-Pierre sat down with The Eastern Echo, discussing the importance of diversity in government.
"Representation does matter," Jean-Pierre said. "I think that when people see themselves in others, especially in positions that have not had anyone that look like them, they feel included, and they feel part of the process. In our case, in the Biden Administration, someone sees them, because they have someone who is speaking on the behalf of the administration. I think it did matter that the Biden Administration was the most diverse in modern politics, because of that feeling of being seen, and being at the table."
Jean-Pierre was the first Black person, as well as the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as press secretary in the White House. Prior to this, she had also served as the chief of staff for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign and political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during former President Barack Obama's first term.
"In order to change policy, or to make change, you have to have people around the table who can speak to people's real life experiences," said Jean Pierre. "Did it matter for me to be able to the job whether I was LGBTQ, a woman or Black? No, but people did see themselves when they saw me at the podium."
Jean-Pierre spoke on the challenges she faced in her position because of the different communities she represented. Being the first, people don't expect you to succeed, said Jean-Pierre, and that those individuals who are breaking that barrier must do the job better than anyone who's done it before, to be respected.
In addition to the Luncheon, Jean-Pierre stayed on campus for a book signing for her recent release, "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines." Released on Oct. 21, 2025, the book urges readers to view US politics from an independent perspective and to reassess its two-party system. Free copies of the book were offered to students and staff who attended the luncheon and book signing.
"Many people who come out of administration write books, and try to write about their experience," Jean-Pierre said. "A year ago, when I was thinking about what I wanted to say about my time at The White House, I was gonna write a very different book."
Prior to writing "Independent," Jean-Pierre had originally planned to write a book listing the steps one needed to take to make it in government. After leaving the Biden Administration, however, Jean-Pierre felt disappointed in the Democratic Party, noting what she defined as a lack of action or fight.
"There was an attack on all these vulnerable communities, and I wanted our leadership to speak out more," Jean-Pierre said. "So, I wanted to write a book that made a statement, and started a conversation, which is 'Look, we're way too partisan right now.' No one's talking to each other, and right now, my criticism of the Democratic Party is that they're not meeting as an opposition party. We need to see teeth and we need to see fight."
Jean-Pierre also brought up the United States' two-party system, saying that it was broken, and calling for individuals to think about how it can be fixed.
"At the end of the book, I do a call to action," Jean-Pierre said. "Whatever happens in this administration, when it's done, whoever comes next is going to have to rebuild."
"The other part of what I was trying to say with the book is, 'We can't rebuild the same, we have to reimagine how we do things,"' Jean-Pierre said. "Anytime there are moments when people feel disarrayed, and that things are under attack, there's actually an opportunity to be taken on how we can reimagine our future."
After the interview, the Luncheon began with an introduction by Glinda Lewis, co-anchor of 7 Action News on WXYZ-TV Channel 7, calling for listeners to promote conversations and respect in a time of division, noting King's own political activism.
"Progress requires participation," Lewis said. "It calls on us to look beyond our differences, and to unite with purpose and intent. When we do that, we choose love. We choose understanding, and we choose action. In every small moment, to big."
Following Lewis' speech recognizing the MLK Day planning committee, Eboni Nicole Washington, LaNyck Washington, Kenny Watson, Rachel Watson and Bryan Hardaway performed "Total Praise" for those present for the luncheon, originally written and composed in 1996 by gospel singer Richard Smallwood. The singers were accompanied by Dana Davis on the keyboard and Nate Winn on the drums.
Jean-Pierre opened her speech with a acknowledgement of both Glinda Lewis and Diana Lewis, a news anchor and Emmy award winning journalist.
"When people ask me how did I get to becoming the first Black and openly queer woman to be at the [White House] podium, I always say that I stand on the shoulders of many others, and I wouldn't have had that position if I didn't have people before me, and Diana Lewis is that person," Jean-Pierre said.
Jean-Pierre also gave thanks to EMU President James Smith and Dr. Connie Ruhl-Smith for their service to the Eastern community, and congratulated them on their upcoming retirement.
MLK Day was not just a day to remember his legacy, said Jean-Pierre, but also a chance to recommit to the work he began.
"The truth is, the movement for civil rights and social justice is far from over," Jean-Pierre said. "Dr. King is often remembered for quotes that feel comfortable. Words about dreams, unity and hope, but Dr. King was not a comfortable figure in his time. He challenged institutions, [and] he disrupted systems. He demanded action, and he made it clear that remembrance without responsibility is empty."
"Dr King did not ask us to be comfortable. That was not his message," Jean-Pierre said. "He asked us to be courageous and courage looks different based on who you are. Students using their voices even when its risky, faculty teaching truth even when it's challenged, staff shaping inclusive systems within, and community members holding institutions accountable. Dr. King believed that change does not begin with the institution. It begins with people who refuse to accept injustice as inevitable."
Jean-Pierre encouraged citizens to follow King's message when advocating. Hope is not passive, and hope is not comfortable; instead, it shows up and participates.
After Jean-Pierre's speech, Lewis announced Raj Rahman, an EMU student, as the winner of the 2026 Evans-Strand Peace Award, an award that recognizes students who have made significant contributions to advancing cultural understanding and acceptance of diversity on campus. The scholarship rewards Rahman with $1000 for the 2025-26 academic year.
Lewis also awarded Velvet Harris, Sacoya Stallworth and Chyana Summers with the 2026 His Dream. Our Action. student scholarship, and Najeebah Abdus Salaam with the MLK Student Scholarship, an international student majoring in finance and a member of the National Association of Black Accountants.
Last presented was the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, rewarded to Courtney Mills, an elected trustee of Pittsfield Charter Township for her work promoting road safety.
Lewis concluded the luncheon with another performance by the singers, this time covering "We Shall Overcome." Also known as "I Shall Overcome," the piece originated as a protest song in the mid-40s for both labor activists and African American civil rights movements.
