Ohio Northern University alumnus Brian Jemison, BA ’03, returned to campus on Thursday, January 22, 2026, to deliver an impactful message during the University’s MLK chapel service.
Jemison, the Senior Director of Premium & Membership Services with the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Ilitch Sports & Entertainment, shared how Dr. King’s teachings are his daily compass.
Inspired by his visits to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and the Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial in Washington, D.C., Jemison highlighted two of Dr. King’s principles that have shaped his journey.
The first is the importance of service. Jemison reflected on Dr. King’s famous quote: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”
He told the audience, “I think about that every day. What are you doing for others? How are you enriching their lives?”
For his part, Jemison seeks to be positive leader to the more than 30 people on his team, helping each to grow their careers. He also volunteers to serve meals to the homeless and maintain athletic facilities for youth in underserved areas.
Jemison also reflected on the power of love over hate, and Dr. King’s missive to: “Never let a man pull you so low that you hate them.”
“Growing up, my dad told me that we don’t use the word hate in our house, and that’s stuck with me,” he said. “You may not agree with me and may not like me, and that’s okay, but I’m going to love you anyhow.”
He encouraged audience members to listen to those with whom they disagree and try to understand their perspective.
“Don’t hate anyone, they just look at things a little different than you,” he said.
Jemison concluded by encouraging the ONU community to seek peace through honesty and transparency. When you put your best foot forward, serve others, and are genuine and truthful, you can find peace at the end of the day, he said.
Jemison, who majored in sport management and minored in business administration at ONU, is a member of the advisory board for the Dicke College of Business Administration. He and his wife, Starr, reside in Detroit.