View as Webpage

FridayMusings since 2003

Monday, January 15, 2024  Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life

20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion

Every third Monday of January, the United States observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1994 Congress passed a bill to dedicate the national holiday as a national day of service.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy

We need to continue to recognize the need for civil rights and equality

This essay is a combination of a number of anonymous sources and edited by FridayMusings:


Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is one of the most influential in American history. He was a leader in the civil rights movement and fought for equal rights for all people, regardless of race. His contributions to the movement are still celebrated today, and his message of nonviolent protest continues to inspire people around the world.


Dr. King’s legacy encompasses influential decisions, monumental actions, and steadfast progressions of humanitarian rights that reach far beyond the civil rights movement. He maintained a vision for a more diverse America where all people enjoyed the benefits of equality. His leadership contributed to the overall success of the civil rights movement in the mid-1900s and continues to impact civil rights movements in the present.

While King and other leaders generated momentous strides for equality, the push for civil rights remains a preeminent challenge today. We continue to experience poverty in the inner cities. We continue to fight for equal pay regardless of gender or race. We continue to battle education inequality. We continue to call for justice for all.


Dr. King’s legacy provides a staple model for how we combat inequality today. We cannot get comfortable in our current state. Too many people are relying on us to recognize and fight the inequalities that exist today. Dr. King’s generation did their part. Now, it’s time to do ours. The next generation needs us.


Dr. King’s legacy is a model for how we combat inequality today. We must recognize and fight the inequalities that exist today, such as poverty in the inner cities, unequal pay regardless of gender or race, education inequality, and the need for justice for all. Dr. King’s generation did their part, and now it’s time for us to do ours. The next generation needs us to continue the fight for civil rights and equality.

Livonia Human Relations Commission hosting a discussion Wednesday on

Reflection on the influence

of Martin Luther King


Join the City of the Livonia Human Relations Commission from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Kresge Hall at Madonna University for the kickoff to their MLK Celebration Events.


This “Fishbowl Event” will feature a panel of students, faculty, staff, and administrators reflecting on Dr. King’s influence, Civil Rights, Equality, Justice and Freedom. The fishbowl allows participating speakers to sit in an inner ring and to share views, while onlookers have an opportunity to listen/learn/discuss.


Photo and Essay contest winners will be announced, including the Human Relations Commission essay contest winner. Visit madonna.edu/news/mlk-day-2024.php for information on more Dr. King events!

You are invited to RSVP for the Michigan Premiere of "I Love This Country"


Screenwriter Rob Turfe, originally from Dearborn and a graduate of West Point will be showcasing his newest film at the Phoenix Theatre, on January 25th, at 7:00 pm.

“I Love This Country” is a short film that reflects on democracy and fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives. The film’s theme is that pluralism thrives when mutual respect, compassion, and teamwork are present, as we all yearn to live the American dream. The film’s message is that love, diversity, and solidarity are foundational to truly embracing duty, honor, and country.


Rob Turfe, an independent filmmaker in Pacific Palisades, California, is partnering with FridayMusings and Livonia’s Phoenix Theatre, after being introduced to Rob and his filmmaking background by Steve Spreitzer, for the Michigan premiere of “I Love This Country” on January 25, 7:00.


He is showcasing the film in Livonia before it is entered into a series of film festivals during the month of February.


Turfe’s grandfather was an immigrant who came to the United States from Lebanon in 1919 by way of France. On board the ship crossing the Atlantic, he met an American officer, General John L. Hines (USMA 1891), who provided him with a letter of introduction that helped him get through U.S. Immigration on the East Coast. This instilled a family passion for helping immigrants.


Rob and his siblings grew up with this sense of duty and were the first two practicing Muslims to attend West Point. After graduating from West Point, Rob became an Engineer Officer and was stationed in Germany. While in Europe, he was deployed to Southern Turkey, Northern Iraq, Bosnia, Croatia, and Macedonia, and was frequently able to use his knowledge of Arabic in real-world situations.


In 1995, he left the Army and entered the business world, using many of the skills he learned at West Point to achieve success in the civilian sector. Turfe has written and produced multiple projects, including the first draft of “The Sacrifice by the Euphrates” with co-writer Benedict Fitzgerald.


Turfe is working on the four-part miniseries Kleptocracy, about a high-ranking military officer involved in a United States military intervention in Iran.


Please respond to rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com if you want to join us on January 25th. 


The film is being offered free of charge in partnership with the Phoenix Theatre and will include introductory comments by Turfe, followed by the film, and a panel discussion immediately afterward.

Seniors Civic Center MLK Luncheon

had large turnout Friday

Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski shares that "It was a great turnout for the Senior Center's MLK Day Luncheon!


"I'm glad I could kick off the long weekend with an act of service in advance of our national day of service on Monday.


"If you're ever looking for a volunteer opportunity, our Senior Center serves wonderful people, and there are many ways to help out."

Bill Brown Ford has been named The Nation's Number One Volume Ford Dealership for third year in a row!


"We've created a unique dealership environment that exceeds customer expectations. One that empowers all of our employees to grow and contribute to the long-term success of our customers and our dealership. My father's unique approach to customer service, community involvement, and employee welfare is the cornerstone of what makes Bill Brown Ford so special and why we're #1 for a third year," said Tom Brown, dealership principal of Bill Brown Ford.


"At Bill Brown Ford, our mission is simple: treat everyone like family and provide the best new car sales and service experience possible. This is why we're so successful. We don't settle for anything less than excellence in every area of our dealership. Everyone from our sales and service staff to our leadership, assistants, and support staff works together to provide our customers with the best experience," said Dave Tashman, General Manager of Bill Brown Ford.


To our industry-leading team and loyal customer base, thank YOU for making us the Number One Ford Dealer in the Nation for three consecutive years!

January 16

January 20

Since the first Chili Cook-off this event which partners the Kiwanis and Livonia PTSA Council has been one of the favorites for this typewriter.

January 22

January 26

Help Laurie Pohutsky kick off 2024 with a bang! Join them for an evening out at Livonia's Wintergarden Tavern on January 26th from 6 to 8 PM.


Laurie Pohutsky — Donate via ActBlue

January 22 and 29

Livonia Youth Choir is part of the cultural excellence that is Livonia

Drawing February 10

February 2-4

Join your neighbors for our February used book sale which offers a wide selection of books for all ages. It’s a great time to stock up for the Winter or your Spring Break get-away!


Members of the Friends of the Livonia Library and teachers with I.D. can shop our pre-sale, Thursday from 4:30-6:30 pm. You may become a member at the door.


Please visit https://livonialibrary.info and click on the Support Your Library tab for more information.


Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com


Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.


What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.

Throughout the year we will post announcements of candidates as they file for election or when local elected officials schedule events you might be interested in attending. In the meantime, these are the elections we will be facing in 2024.


2024 statewide election dates in Michigan

Tuesday, Feb. 27: Michigan presidential primary

Tuesday, Aug. 6: Michigan primary election

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Michigan general election