News Local/State

Upcoming Martin Luther King Jr., Day Events

By Jim Meadows
 

Here's a list of some of the public events scheduled in east central Illinois over the next few days, celebrating the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior.

Friday, January 18th


Ernest Green … one of the “Little Rock Nine” who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957 … is the keynote speaker at the Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration. The free public event takes place at 4 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign.

Sunday, January 20th

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Service of Celebration, 4:30 PM,  University of Illinois Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana.

Monday, January 21st, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast, 8:30 AM, Dodds Athletic Center at Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley, Champaign. (This event, usually held at Vineyard Church in Champaign, is being held at Parkland College this year only, due to construction at the church).

Annual Martin Luther King March and Motorcade beginning at 10:30 AM, with lineup beginning at 10 AM the corner of Main and Logan. It concludes at St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N Vermilion, for a community-wide celebration service at 11:30 AM. The Rev. Sylvester Weatherall will be the speaker. Brett Dupree will direct the Danville MLK Mass Choir.

Thursday, January 24th

Millikin University holds its 4th annual Candlelight Vigil for Dr. King, at 6 PM at Pilling Chapel. This year's theme:  “45 Years: Progressing Towards Social Change”. Millikin and Decatur leaders will speak on King’s Six Steps of Nonviolent Social Change.

Saturday, January 26th

Martin Luther King Community Celebration, Including Presentation of the Winners of the MLK Writing Contest, 10AM - 1PM, University of Illinois Krannert Center for Performing Arts, 500 S Goodwin, Urbana. Organizers say this is a family-friendly event featuring performances and presentations by local musicians, theatrical and dance groups and arts and crafts for children to celebrate the life of Dr. King.