CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The annual communitywide celebration of the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. includes a half-dozen events throughout Champaign and Urbana.
With a theme of “Pursuing the Dream in Challenging Times,” the 2017 celebration draws inspiration from King’s teachings in considering the range of societal issues that are heightening tensions for many Americans.
“Dr. King’s messages remain relevant and inspirational today, considering the seemingly daily reminders that we have so much work to do to come together as a society,” said Tracy Kleparski, a visiting assistant director in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Access. “We must not lose sight of his dream.”
The 16th annual Countywide Celebration takes place Friday, Jan. 13, from 4-6 p.m. at Parkland College’s U Building, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign. Christopher Benson, a U. of I. professor of African American studies and of journalism, will be the keynote presenter.
The 32nd annual Service of Celebration occurs Sunday, Jan. 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Foellinger Great Hall in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana. Rev. Allan Boesak will be the keynote speaker.
Other events throughout the week include the 32nd annual Unity Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 16, at The Vineyard Church; service opportunities for high school and university students; a musical and spoken-word performance at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Jan. 19; and a poverty simulation at the U. of I. School of Social Work on Friday, Jan. 20.
The observance concludes with the Community Celebration at Krannert Center from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21.
A full list of events is available online.
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