On January 18th 2016, Ann Arbor citizens faced the freezing cold to attend this year’s “Circle

of Unity” outside the undergraduate library in the diag. The event included singing, dancing and spoken word- all in the spirit of Martin Luther King’s call for unity. Strangers of all different races, genders and identities gathered to stand in a circle and watch performances with the intent to unify.

This gathering started ten years ago by the Michigan Community Scholars Program (MCSP), and has occurred annually since. “it shows that people of different social identities are still working towards solidarity in the spirit of Dr. King’s dream,” said Dan Green, Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives at MCSP.

The event started with a song from Joe Riley and Jill Buetel, they sung about the circle of unity, and how anyone can join the circle. “It’s important as people from all different backgrounds come together to support our commitment to social justice and to peace,” Riley said.

Later on, Riley lead an anishinabe dance where he walked around the circle in a spiral pattern and encouraged everyone to follow him. As he did this, he banged on his drum and sang in traditional Native American fashion.  

After, the Michigan Gospel Chorale sang many songs about overcoming racism as the audience clapped along to their heartfelt singing. This was followed by two more singing performances, one by Nia Williams and the other by the Smile Bringer Singers.

Riley and Beutel than regained the spotlight as they sang about staying humble, followed by an upbeat rendition of “This Little Light Of Mine” while the audience danced and sang along. After that everyone held hands and swayed along to an intimate song about unity.
The final act was Wendy Cortes who gave a speech about what it takes to be an ally. “Solidarity is a commitment, it is not something you do when it is trendy, it is not something you do to make yourself feel good, or make yourself look good to the public,” Cortez said in her powerful speech.