Oakland Community College is hosting a powerful, thought-provoking panel discussion exploring how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's call for justice continues to challenge and inspire us today. Students, employees and the community  members are invited to join the online MLK Convocation on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 4-5:30 p.m. 

Panelists will reflect on the progress made, the inequities that persist, and how individuals from all backgrounds can help advance King’s vision of a “Beloved Community” and meaningful IMPACT. 

“Dr. King reminds us that the pursuit of justice is not a moment in history, but a responsibility we share every day,” said Kristina Marshall, OCC Director of Institutional Standards and Practices. “This year’s Convocation encourages us to reflect on our progress, consider the work still ahead, and commit to creating a community where everyone can thrive — and make a meaningful IMPACT.” 

Distinguished panelists 

  • Dr. Joe-Joe McManus: Raised in a racially and culturally diverse family in a predominantly white town near Boston, Dr. McManus understands the challenges of navigating systemic racism. These early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to meaningful change and empowering others. An award-winning author, he has served at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), an international university, an Ivy League institution, a religion-affiliated university, and within a public university system.  
  • Dr. Belinda Biscoe: Senior Associate Vice President for Outreach/College of Continuing Education at The University of Oklahoma. Dr. Biscoe is a research psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience with school- and community-based programs. Her career spans higher education administration, research and program development. In 2015, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for Higher Education for her significant contributions in education. 
  • Rodney Ursery, JD: Equal Employment Opportunity Officer II at the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Dr. Ursery also spent years as a Human Rights Representative with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. He is a seasoned legal advocate, investigator, compliance strategist and organizational performance leader with more than two decades of expertise in affirmative action regulation, human rights enforcement, arbitration, litigation support and higher education instruction. 

Visit OCC 2025 MLK Convocation to register for the virtual event. 

About OCC     

Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s   America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.      

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