MLK Celebration Week: Peace Brunch

Northwest hosts its annual Peace Brunch from noon to 2 p.m. in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. The brunch honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy and will feature Northwest alumnus Dr. Tyrone Bates Jr. as the keynote speaker. The event is free and open to the public.

The brunch also includes the presentation of Northwest’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Awards, which honor faculty and staff members who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to Dr. King’s principles and ideals of freedom, equality, justice, liberty, individuality and respect while furthering Northwest’s commitment to those principles and ideals.

Bates is the president and chief executive officer of True Empowering LLC, a consulting agency dedicated to helping organizations maximize recruiting, minimize turnover and enhance retirement rates among staff. While his career spans roles as a teacher, academic coach and school administrator – all reflecting a deep commitment to education, equity and leadership – Bates specializes in transforming organizational cultures and bridging communication across cultural divides.

A native of Chicago, he has a bachelor’s degree in biology, an educational specialist degree and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, all from Northwest. He earned his doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Additionally, he serves on non-profit boards, including Gordon Parks Elementary and Scholar Smarts. A 24-year-member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., he mentors young leaders and contributes to initiatives promoting community uplift.