Marvin Gaye Remembered With 'What's Going On' Day In Michigan

LANSING, MI — Jan. 20 is Inauguration Day in the United States as President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the nation's 46th president, a time he has often referred to as one to unify the nation amid an era of racial tension and concurrent health and economic crises.

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had a unifying message of her own designated for Wednesday, as "What's Going On" Day has been declared in honor of one of the state's many Motown music icons. The day marks the 50th anniversary of the single release of "What's Going On," one of the late Marvin Gaye's most memorable songs.

Whitmer — the first-term governor Biden considered to be his vice presidential running mate — mentioned unity in declaring the commemorative honor for Gaye.

“Having this tribute on the calendar provides us with an important moment — one where we can come together as a unified state to pause, reflect and appreciate the need for ideas, perspective, love and understanding. These are values that mean more today than ever before,” Whitmer said in a statement aired by WXYZ.

“Through the recognition of 'What’s Going On' Day, we hope to bring awareness to Marvin Gaye’s profound words as his timeless music remains in our hearts and minds and continues inspiring generations to come,” she continued.

The song, released in 1971, was first inspired by a police brutality incident and was recorded at Motown Studios A and B in Detroit, according to WXYZ.

Whitmer's declaration came in conjunction with Motown Museum, according to the Detroit Free Press. The museum said this is the first of a year's worth of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the album that shares the song's title.

Despite her designation, Whitmer won't be in the Wolverine State on "What's Going On" Day. She has plans to be in Washington, D.C., for Biden's inauguration.