Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation

Join us Monday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Bohm Theatre!

Ketwana SchoosAlbion College is proud to announce that Dr. Ketwana Schoos, a native of Albion, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation. The event is free and open to the public and will take place on Monday, January 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Bohm Theatre in downtown Albion. This annual event is made possible in partnership with the Albion Branch NAACP, and Albion College’s Gerald R. Ford institute for Public Policy and Service and the Office of Belonging.

This year’s theme, “We are only as strong as our roots,” reflects the enduring influence of Dr. King’s legacy and calls on us to recognize the power of our histories, communities, and collective strength in striving for equity and justice.

Schoos is a higher education professional with over 20 years of progressive experience as an administrator and faculty member promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of college and university settings. Her work has largely focused on creating a welcoming academic and campus environment that promotes student success through diversity and inclusion educational programming, leadership development opportunities, cross-cultural engagement, and policy oversight.

She currently serves as the Vice President & Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). In this role, she is responsible for college-wide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and civil rights/Title IX compliance. She also teaches courses in subject areas including Sociology, Diversity and Social Justice, African American History, and Leadership.

Dr. Schoos has previously worked in diversity and multicultural affairs at several institutions, including The Ohio State University at Mansfield, Ball State University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and most recently as Assistant Dean of Students for Inclusive Campus Engagement at Washington & Jefferson College.

Born and raised in Albion, Michigan, Dr. Schoos earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Central Michigan University, two Master’s Degrees in African American and African Diaspora Studies and Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University, and a Doctorate Degree in Administrative and Policy Studies (Higher Education Management concentration) from the University of Pittsburgh.

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy

The annual MLK Convocation is a time-honored tradition at Albion College, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Albion community to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through thought-provoking conversations and inspiring calls to action, the event serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and peace.

The event will open with an invocation delivered by Rev. Gabriel Avery of Lewis Chapel AME Church in Albion. Lewis Chapel AME, a cornerstone of the Albion community, has a rich history of faith, service, and community outreach. Rev. Avery was ordained as the new pastor of Lewis Chapel AME Church in August 2023. 

Previous MLK Convocation speakers have included:

  • 2024: Linda Johnson Rice
  • 2023: Michigan Speaker of the House Joe Tate
  • 2022: reflections from community members
  • 2021: Dr. Oveta Fuller
  • 2020: Judge Dannia Edwards, ’83
  • 2019: Rochelle Riley
  • 2018: Michael Williams, ’78
  • 2017: Eugene Robinson
  • 2016: Diane Nash
  • 2015: Ruth Holland Scott
  • 2014: Julian Bond
  • 2013: Dr. Cleveland Sellers