2026 MLK Celebration Speakers

Keynote: Dr. Genetta Hatcher

Since the early days of her ministry, Rev. Dr. Genetta Y. Hatcher has been given the name, "Preacher in Blue Jeans.” She loves blue jeans but more importantly, she believes that if Jesus was walking the earth today, He would be in a pair of jeans because we wear blue jeans. It’s not about a desecration of the sacred but a holy boldness to meet people right where they are. Blue jeans and a Bible.

Speaker: Parish Halsell

Parish Halsell is a Human Capital Consultant with expertise in enacting organizational change, building bridges across differences, and planning and facilitating engaging learning experiences.

Speaker: Rev. Lawrence Rogers

Pastor Lawrence W. Rodgers is the Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Detroit, the oldest historically Black congregation in Michigan, founded in 1836. A visionary leader grounded in faith, justice, and compassion, he has led the church through revitalization while expanding its community outreach and digital ministry.

Speaker: Julie Campbell-Bodie

Julie has 10 years experience in grassroots political organizing. She turned her hand to focusing on the online community acknowledging the power of social media in co-founding Distill Social. Julie's leadership not only reflects a deep understanding of organizing principles but also an approach to engaging the digital generations in political discourse and action.

Emcee: Rev. Rachel Kain

Rev. Rachel Kain is a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church currently serving at Good Shepherd UMC in Dearborn. She and her husband Michael, a small business owner, are residents of Livonia, Michigan. Prior to answering her call to ministry, she worked as an editor at a reference publisher and as a business analyst, project manager, delivery manager, and product owner in software development in various industries.

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