Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 17, 2025
WHEREAS, the Greater Lansing region is home to nearly 500,000 Michiganders and welcomes 6.7 million visitors annually, generating over $732 million in economic impact for the state; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Lansing and Michigan’s Downtown continue to undergo an incredible transformation as community partners, members, and stakeholders collaborate to revitalize the city through events, new developments, and investments; and,
WHEREAS, at the forefront of this transformation are community leaders like Melik Brown – also known as Metro Melik – who uses his unique energy, talent, and pride to spread love and a sense of pride across Lansing; and,
WHEREAS, Melik Brown created 517 Day in Lansing to celebrate and uplift the culture and vibrancy of our Capital City; and,
WHEREAS, Melik Brown’s energy and love for our Capital City have now brought a plethora of local businesses and cultural organizations like Downtown Lansing Inc., Lansing 5:01, and many others together to create an all-day lineup of local talent and activities across the 517; and,
WHEREAS, Downtown Lansing will be the epicenter of this celebration, unveiling new artwork from local artists, welcoming thousands of community members to come out for Lansing 5:01’s Best of Lansing Festival, and hosting a variety of activities along Lansing’s riverfront with various businesses and Michigan Makers; and,
WHEREAS, this celebration creates a chance for the entire atate of Michigan to come out and appreciate the unique culture of Lansing through music, art, vendors, and fun and witness its revitalization firsthand;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2025, as 517 Day in the State of Michigan to recognize the growth and revitalization of our Capital City and the integral work of community leaders working to bring more vibrancy and culture to Lansing for all Michiganders to experience, appreciate and enjoy.