Charlita Anderson White
Northern Michigan University is honored to host, Charlita Anderson White, a Detroit native and 1983 NMU graduate whose distinguished career spans law, education, and the arts. After earning her Juris Doctor and MBA in Healthcare Management, White served as a Legal Aid attorney, Assistant Lorain County Prosecutor, and later as a Magistrate in Domestic and Juvenile Court until her retirement in 2022. Since 2011, she has taught healthcare management and leadership as adjunct faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also the founder of the Outside Circle Theater Project, which creates works centered on justice, identity, and underrepresented voices, and she remains active on several community boards. White currently lives in Oberlin, Ohio, with her husband, Dr. Clovis White, and their son, Christopher, and is proud to serve on the NMU Alumni Association Advisory Board.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
January 19, 2026
Northern Michigan University’s MLK Day of Service is centered on the theme “Community in Motion: Meeting Needs, Sharing Hope.” This series of events celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by bringing people together through meaningful acts of service that uplift neighbors and strengthen community ties during the winter season. From crafting warm blankets and assembling care kits to engaging in creative and reflective service activities, NMU invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to contribute their time, care, and compassion in ways that echo Dr. King’s teachings about justice, dignity, and shared humanity.
A featured highlight of the day is NMU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Luncheon, where retired judge and distinguished NMU alumna Charlita Anderson White will serve as the keynote speaker. Following the luncheon, participants can join hands-on service opportunities that support the university’s Dignity Drive and Warmth & Wellness Kits efforts, bringing comfort and essential items to those in need. Whether you’re sewing blankets or donating winter care kit items, every act, big or small, reflects the spirit of service that Dr. King championed and reinforces NMU’s ongoing commitment to justice, community, and collective action.
Winter Care Kits
Please donate the following:
- Rain Poncho - one compact, folded rain poncho
- Hand Warmers - one package of hand/foot warmers
- Wrapped Snacks - must be easy to chew
- Emergency Blanket - one compact blanket
- Socks, Hat, or Gloves - One pair of adult-size socks. You can also include a warm hat or gloves.
- Hygiene Item(s) - No medicine or pills. No liquid hand sanitizers.
- Band-Aids (small/big ones to cover blisters)
- Deodorant
- Shaving Razors
- Lotion
- Wet Wipes or Bath Wipes
- Cotton Swabs
- Neosporin or Antibiotic Ointment
Schedule of Events
| Early access tour, January 19 | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Luncheon Join us for a day of music, remebrance, and community! Lunch will be followed by our NMU Alumni Keynote speaker, retired judge Charlita Anderson White. Guided by the Theme: "The Beloved Community: Where Justice, Healing, and Hope Meet" and featuring a menu of Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Mac and Cheese, Collards, Potato Salad, Cornbread, and Sweet Potato Pie, this event will be free for all NMU students and $14 for community members, faculty, and staff. | Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Location: Northern Center Ballrooms |
| January 19, 2026 | Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate — Early Access Curator’s Tour of the National Art Exhibition at the DeVos Art Museum For the first time, the DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University is hosting a powerful national art exhibition: Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate: a compelling and thought-provoking collection that uses diverse media—sculpture, painting, photography, ceramics, and printmaking—to reflect, engage, and challenge. NMU alum, Katie Knight, curated the exhibition, which will run from January 20 to March 21. The museum is hosting an early access curator's tour on January 19 at 1 pm. | Time: 1:00 pm Location: DeVos Art Museum |
| January 19, 2026 | 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Day of Service: Community in Motion Inspired by Dr. King’s call to serve others, we’re hosting a blankey making event in support of our Dignity Drive. Together, we’ll create warm, cozy blankets —adding comfort, care, and “warmth with dignity” to the Warmth & Wellness Kits we’ll deliver at week’s end. All skill levels are welcome, and all materials will be supplied—just bring your willingness to serve. Many hands make light work, so we hope to see a strong community presence. Come craft, connect, and contribute. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. | Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Location: The Lodge |
