'Making His Dream Our Reality' Theme of MLK Observance

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will give the keynote address at a Jan. 17 celebration of the life and contributions of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at West Bloomfield High School, 4925 Orchard Lake Road.

The program, which takes place the day before the official Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, is entitled “United We Walk.”

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The events start at 3 p.m. and will include a walk prior to Bernstein’s remarks and a candlelight vigil following the speech.

“United We Walk” celebrates the life and contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The walk and refreshments, program, and candlelight vigil will all be held on Sunday, January 17, at West Bloomfield High School.

Bernstein’s talk will focus on the 2016 theme of the school district’s MLK celebration, “Making HIs Dream Our Reality.”

Elected by voters statewide to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2014, Bernstein is the first blind justice on the court. He was sworn in to the eight-year term in January 2015.

[RECIC]Before his election to Michigan’s highest court, Bernstein was known as a tireless advocate for disabled rights as an attorney heading the public service division for The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills. Blind since birth, he has been committed throughout his legal career to taking action to help clients who needed him. His cases often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.

Bernstein is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his juris doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law.

“We are very honored to have Justice Bernstein participate this year and share his views on social justice with our community,” United We Walk co-chair West Bloomfield Police Chief Mike Patton said in a statement.

Students of all ages, adults and organizations are encouraged to create banners celebrating “Making His Dream Our Reality” and to carry the banners during the walk. Orchard Lake Road, between Maple Road and Lone Pine Road, will be closed during the walk. Free parking is available at the high school.

The program includes performances by the Legacy Dance Studio, West Bloomfield High School Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Bands, Commemorative Button Design and Expression Contest winners, and recognition of the World Leader.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2:45 pm: Gather in Atrium at West Bloomfield High School

3p.m.: Walk on Orchard Lake Road

4:15 p.m.: Program - West Bloomfield High School Auditorium

5:15 p.m.: Candlelight Vigil, WBHS Auditorium, Invocation

All events are free, open to the public

United We Walk is a community-wide effort that is supported by the West Bloomfield School District, West Bloomfield Clergy Association, Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition for Youth, Optimist Club of West Bloomfield, West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation, West Bloomfield Library, West Bloomfield Township and Police Department, and numerous other civic and community groups and area residents.

Co-chairs of the United We Walk Planning Committee are West Bloomfield Police Chief Mike Patton, the Rev. Tim Holzerland, Jennifer Graham, and Justin Brown.

Student Co-chairs are Evan Foster, Cydnee Graham, Maria Kakos, Mario Kakos, and Vernon Moye.

For more information, call (248) 865-6420 or visit www.unitedwewalk.org.