Several Events Scheduled to Remember Rev. Martin Luther King

There will be music and speeches at Friday's Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration in Champaign. It's the 11th year for the annual program which is just one of several area events remembering the accomplishments of the late civil rights leader.

But besides looking at King's legacy, the program also looks at the contributions made by Champaign-Urbana area residents. Celebration Committee member Joan Walls says the Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award will go to Champaign Consortium director Al Anderson.

"When you look at Al's biography, he talks about wanting to make a difference", says Walls. "He talks about being raised in Cabrini-Green, one of the nation's most dangerous public housing complexes in the Chicago area. And it's always been a passion for him not only do great things for himself, but to reach out and be of service to so many others."

Others being honored at the Friday program include Donna Camp, for her work in organizing the Wesley Evening Food Pantry, and Carlos Donaldson, who worked for the desegregation of Urbana schools as a member of the Urbana Neighborhood Committee.

In Danville, activities remembering Dr. King include the annual march and motorcade through the city. Danville Human Relations Administrator Sandra Houston says everyone is welcome to walk or ride in the event, which begins Monday morning at 10 AM at the corner of Main and Logan in Danville.Along the way, participants will stop at the Martin Luther King monument at the corner of Jackson and Williams for a small ceremony. Then, it's on to St. James United Methodist Church at 504 North Vermilion, for the celebration service at 11:30 AM.

Houston says the event, which started in 1986, is a happy time for the participants. "We recognize we are a city of different cultures and ethnic groups, and it's just our time to come together and fellowship with each other", she says. "People are there because they believe, they believe in civil rights, they believe in and human rights, and they believe in the legacy of Dr. King."

At the Eastern Illinois campus in Charleston, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will mark the 25th anniversary of their Martin Luther King March and Candlelight Vigil on Monday afternoon. The event is open to the EIU and Charleston community.

The march begins at 5:30 PM at Thomas Hall on the EIU campus, with participants proceeding to the Martin Luther King Union, where a vigil program will be held in the Grand Ballroom at 6 PM.

Khelan Todd of Alpha Phi Alpha's Zeta Nu chapter at EIU says the march and vigil brings students and faculty together. "It's very warm and welcoming", says Todd of the annual event. "I think the students and the faculty really enjoy it."

Other Champaign-Urbana programs remembering Martin Luther King:

FRI, Jan. 13th: MLK Countywide Celebration, 4 PM, Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S Neil, Champaign. Keynote Speaker: State Sen. Kwame Raoul. Music: Noah Brown & Company and Mo' Betta' Music program, directed by Nathaniel Banks.Free to the public.

SUN Jan 15th, The annual Martin Luther King Community Celebration, 5 PM, University of Illinois Krannert Center.

MON, Jan. 16: The Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast, 8:30-10:30 am, at the Vineyard Church, Urbana.

MLK Day Events in Danville:

SUN Jan. 15: MLK Scholarship Banquet, 4 PM, Days Hotel, 77 N. Danville. The recipient of the annual MLK scholarship will be announced. Banquet admission: $20. Reservations taken through noon on Friday, Jan. 12th, at Danville Human Relations Dept., 217-431-2280.

MON Jan. 16 MLK March/Motorcade, Vigil & Service, motorcade beginning at 10:30 AM (lineup starts at 10AM) at corner of Main & Logan, with 11:30 AM Service at St. James United Methodist Church, Danville. Info: Danville City Hall: 217-431-2280.

MLK Day Events in Decatur:

SUN Jan. 15, 4 PM Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Concert. Free. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 530 W. Mound Road Decatur, IL Info: Tony Carson, 520-7260.

MON Jan. 16; "Remembering the Dream" panel discussion, Old King's Orchard Community Center, 815 N Church St., Decatur IL.

MLK Day Events in Charleston;

MON Jan. 16 MLK March and Candlelight Vigil, with March beginning at 5:30 PM at Thomas Hall on the EIU campus, and Vigil at 6 PM at the Grand Ballroom of the MLK Jr. Union. Open to EIU and Charleston community. Contact: Khelan Todd, khelantodd@gmail.com