40th annual Citywide MLK Tribute dinner to feature Michigan Department of Civil Rights leader

The executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights will serve as the keynote speaker for Flint’s 40th annual Citywide Tribute Dinner in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The theme for the event is  “A Great Nation Is a Compassionate Nation.” It is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at the Riverfront Banquet Center. 

Agustin V. Arbulu has served as executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights since 2015, and previously served almost two years on the Commission. He has been involved in a variety of civic and community organizations for more than 30 years. Arbulu is also a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph-Oakland Hospital, which is part of Trinity Health System. Arbulu also serves as chair of the Michigan Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Following a yearlong investigation, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission in February 2017 issued a report calling the water crisis a violation of Flint residents’ civil rights. 

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disability.

The annual Citywide Tribute Dinner is open to the public. Tickets are $50 per person. Table sponsorships also are available. 

Tickets can be purchased online at mcceventsonline.com or by calling The Foundation for Mott Community College at (810) 762-0425. 

The event is co-sponsored by Baker College of Flint, Davenport University, Hamilton Community Health Network, Kettering University, Mott Community College, and the University of Michigan-Flint.