Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast of the Lakeshore
“For reserved organization tables of eight attendees, at $325 per table, please email dan.rinsema-sybenga@muskegoncc.edu”.
The 29th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast of the Lakeshore on Friday, January 16, 2026, will take place at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center from 7:30AM – 11AM, in downtown Muskegon. In addition, the event will feature a panel discussion of local leaders following the keynote who will discuss the theme of “Uniting Faith and Community”.
Keynote speaker: Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony
Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony (pictured above) is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He was educated in the Detroit PublicSchool system. He graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A. in Political Science and Marygrove College with an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry. He attended the University of Detroit for advanced study in Black Theology. Rev. Anthony is a Certified Social Worker with the State of Michigan. On May 12, 2007, Rev. Anthony was the keynote speaker for the Graduation Class of Marygrove College at which time the Board of Trustees conferred upon Rev. Anthony the degree of Honorary Doctor of Arts. In 2022, Wayne State University conferred upon Rev. Anthony the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa.
He became the Pastor of Fellowship Chapel in December 1986 following the passing of Reverend James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Through the grace of God and the labor of his ministry, the church has experienced the greatest growth in its 59-year history. Through its James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Community Center, Fellowship Chapel has a full-time outreach ministry with programs ranging from health and wellness, youth mentoring and development and job training. Rev. Anthony is the developer of the Isuthu Institute (Coming into Manhood Rites of Passage Program) for boys ages 6-18, dealing with African American male responsibility. It is one of the oldest mentoring programs of its kind in the country. He also initiated its female counterpart, the Intonjane Institute (Coming into Womanhood Rites of Passage Program) for girls ages 6-18.
Currently, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. In addition, he is serving his 17th term as President of the Detroit Branch NAACP, a position he has held for 30 years. The Detroit Branch NAACP is the largest branch in the country. It hosts the largest sit-down dinner in the nation, bringing at least 10,000 persons to gather every year to celebrate and commemorate the struggle for social justice, freedom, and equality. He is the founder of the Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice, and People Empowerment, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which also sponsors the annual Freedom Weekend in the city of Detroit. He is also the founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee, a grassroots community-oriented organization which supports issues and candidates often overlooked by those in the traditional political arena.
Reverend Anthony is the originator of the Take Your Souls to the Polls voter registration and mobilization program. This was initiated to bring about greater youth involvement in the electoral process. He is also the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, locally and nationally. Among them are the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference How Beautiful Are Thy Feet Award and the 2021 NAACP Image Award for Activist of the Year. During the pandemic of 2020, Reverend Anthony led and coordinated the Connected Futures Program with business and corporate leaders. This program raised $23 million to provide laptop and Wi-Fi connectivity for 51,000 students, grades K-12, in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. It serves as a model for the nation.
On June 5, 2005, Reverend Anthony led his congregation, community and business leaders, government officials, supporters, and well-wishers in a procession to the new Fellowship Chapel called The Village, for its grand opening and inaugural worship service. The Village contains the new church and soon to be developed 140 units of multi-family homes and senior citizen residencies. This is a $60 million-dollar project which will result in the building of a new community.
In September 2005, Rev. Anthony married Monica G. Anthony. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters (Tolani, Maia and Theresa) and in 2011 a new addition was added, young Ms. Wendelaya Adiah Anthony.
Panelists
Jocelyn Hines, Moderator: Jocelyn was born and raised in Muskegon Heights. She attended Muskegon Heights High School and later went on to Michigan State University, studying Social Relations and Policy with a minor in Public Relations. In 2022, Jocelyn completed her master’s degree in Public Administration at Grand Valley State University. After undergrad, she worked on several political campaigns, including a mayoral and state representative campaign.
Jocelyn has a heart for civic engagement and community service and spends a lot of her free time volunteering. She is the Founder/Chair of Muskegon Young Black Professionals—an organization dedicated to providing social and professional development resources to black professionals, a board member of United Way of the Lakeshore, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and a member of the West Michigan Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Faith is also important to Jocelyn, and she enjoys serving in her local church.
Jocelyn has also won several awards, including the 2022 Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 under 40, 2022 West MI Works 20 under 30, 2019 Governor’s Service Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Class of 2018 Future 15.
Jocelyn is truly dedicated to building strong, diverse communities and making sure all voices are heard and represented. She often serves on committees and boards dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and will continue to be a voice for young Black professionals. Jocelyn currently serves as the Development Analyst for the City of Muskegon, where she focuses on creating opportunities for growth and fostering economic development.
Marria McIntosh, Housing: In 2021, Marria McIntosh founded Coalition: 3N1 Community to address the pressing needs of Muskegon County’s low-income, working-class, and predominantly Black, Indigenous, and Latine (BIL) communities. What began as a grassroots movement to champion equitable investment and justice soon evolved into Thredz.org, a nonprofit organization where Marria now serves as President and CEO.
Through Thredz, Marria leads innovative initiatives that confront the negative impacts of gentrification by advancing community engagement, community-owned investments, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. Her signature programs,
including the Pathways to Homeownership (P2H) initiative and the Y3 Program (Educate, Empower & Engage), reflect her commitment to building racial wealth parity and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Marria’s work prioritizes equity, inclusion, and impact for socially, historically, and economically disadvantaged communities throughout Muskegon County. She has successfully championed development projects that revitalize neighborhoods and attract investment, creating opportunities for affordable housing, mixed-use developments, workforce training, and sustainable job growth.
As a Black American mother living and serving in one of Michigan’s most disinvested and segregated communities, Marria brings a personal and powerful perspective to her advocacy. Her mission is to drive transformative change and expand pathways to economic mobility, social equity, and housing opportunity.
Demetrio Dockery, Faith and Corporate: Born and raised in the heart of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, Pastor Demetrio “Dee-Dee” Dockery embodies the strength and resilience shaped by the challenges of inner-city life. A proud Muskegon Heights High School graduate, his journey from teenage fatherhood to a life of marriage and ministry highlights the transformative power of faith and perseverance.
Pastor Dockery, now 41, serves as the full-time pastor of New Light Baptist Church. He is also a Gas Operations Supervisor with DTE, where he has shattered glass ceilings, championing minority advancement in a predominantly white industry. Pastor Dockery’s leadership journey is anchored in his deep belief in divine intervention, faith, and the support of his family. He has navigated the delicate balance of fatherhood, pastoring, and a successful professional career, always shining as a beacon of hope in the Muskegon and Muskegon Heights communities.
With degrees from Grace Christian and Cornerstone Universities, his enthusiasm for empowering others and his dedication to shining God’s light in dark places have touched countless lives. His leadership within the church and the workforce demonstrates that breaking barriers and creating new paths for others is possible. During the pandemic, when many ministries struggled, he expanded his congregation, proving that faith, leadership, and adaptability are key to thriving in challenging times. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, guidance, or mentorship, Pastor Dockery’s mission is to help others thrive and let their light shine brightly in the world. “Let your light shine before others,” and discover what God has in store for your life.
Dr. John Selmon, Education: Dr. John Selmon currently serves as the 11th President of Muskegon Community College (MCC) in Muskegon, Michigan. Prior to the role of president, Dr. Selmon served as the Provost/Executive Vice President at MCC and led over $50M in major renovation projects for the college which includes the new Health and Wellness Center, Science Center, Sturrus Technology Center, Automotive and Arts and Music buildings.
Dr. Selmon has and continues to play critical roles in MCCS’s strategic planning, student success initiatives, developing key relationships with many community partners, revamping the Foundation for MCC, securing millions of dollars in state and federal funding, and provided extensive oversight in establishing MCC as a Leader College with the Achieving the Dream organization.
He has over 30 years of experience in higher education administration, and earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, both degrees from Eastern Michigan University. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Currently he serves on several boards which includes the United Way of the Lakeshore, Michigan Community College Association President’s Committee and Student Success Committee, Foundation for Muskegon Community College, Greater Muskegon Economic Board, Grand Haven Trinity Health Board, TalentFirst of West Michigan, Lakeshore Advantage, Muskegon Area Promise Zone Board and is a member of Muskegon Rotary.
Dr. Selmon and his wife of over 38 years, Zephra, have two adult kids. He likes all kinds of sporting activities and spends a lot of his free time golfing and fishing.
Lisa Tyler, Non Profit: Lisa Tyler has been the president and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore since June of 2025. She spent the last nine-plus year in the aging network as the communications director at Senior Resources of West Michigan, before returning “home” to United Way. She started her nonprofit career with United Way of Muskegon County in the ‘90s, working there a second time from 2008-2015.
Lisa believes in giving back to her community. She is president nominee for the Muskegon Rotary Club, serves on the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District board of education, and is a member of the Greater Muskegon Service League. She and her husband Aaron have three adult children.
She is a native of Ionia and a proud Michigan State University graduate.
Details
WHAT: 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast of the Lakeshore
WHERE: VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, 460 West Western Avenue. Muskegon, MI 49440
WHEN: Friday, January 16, 2026, 7:30 AM to 11AM
“For reserved organization tables of eight attendees, at $325 per table, please email dan.rinsema-sybenga@muskegoncc.edu”
THE MLK UNITY BREAKFAST IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THESE SPONOSRS:
