CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Events celebrating the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. begin Friday with a communitywide event and conclude with a Jan. 20 celebration on campus.
The University of Illinois Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee organized the 2018 events under the theme of “Dream, Believe, Do.”
“Dr. King was taken from this world a half-century ago, but he remains a powerful force for change,” said Tracy Kleparski, a senior diversity outreach specialist in the Office of the Chancellor. “His life provides lessons that can transform, uplift and empower Americans from all walks of life.”
The 17th annual Countywide Celebration takes place Friday, Jan. 12, from 4-6 p.m. at Vineyard Church, 1500 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana. The gathering will honor local youth who have provided service to the community.
The 33rd annual Service of Celebration occurs Sunday, Jan. 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ Foellinger Great Hall, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana. The Rev. Charlie Dates will be the keynote speaker, and the Community Choir will begin performing at 4:30 p.m.
The week of observance concludes with the Community Celebration at Krannert Center from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 20, by honoring the Creative Expressions Contest award recipients.
A full list of events is available online.
