King event at Wheaton College

The Rev. James F. Miller knows the more the world changes, the more it stays the same.

While social and economic equality for all Americans are more of a reality than when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. lived more than 40 years ago, challenges remain, the senior pastor of DuPage AME Church says.

"The socioeconomic paradigm and the cultural and communal embrace of diversity are still a challenge for our nation," he said.

To help DuPage County residents face that challenge and continue King's work for equality, DuPage AME Church and Second Baptist Church of Wheaton will sponsor "Live the Dream," a celebration of King's birthday, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, in Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College.

For almost 20 years, the event has welcomed people of all races, ethnic backgrounds and economic classes, along with local leaders.

Bishop John Richard Bryant, senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will deliver the keynote speech. The interfaith celebration also will feature the Wheaton College Gospel Choir and the DuPage AME Church Mass Choir.

Miller said the event will celebrate the strides society has made toward King's dream, including our nation electing a president with African heritage, but also will explore how to do more.

"We've made quite a few advances," Miller said. "But I like to quote the old song that says, 'The more we get together, the happier we'll be.' The root of our fear is the distance (from each other). So opportunities to interact with each other at the community, school and business levels are the key to our familiarity and breaking down barriers. We must be willing to engage ourselves in those opportunities as they naturally occur."

To honor high school students who have seized these ideals and followed King's vision, organizers will award 12 scholarships funded by local businesses and contributors.

Additional funds raised will benefit the People's Resource Center in Wheaton and Public Action to Deliver Shelter, both human service organizations.

Scholarship winners are Kelsey Brooks, Glenbard North; Varun Char, Neuqua Valley; Jeffrey Cowart, Wheaton North; Connor Douglas, Glenbard South; Annette Eichenberger, Community High School in West Chicago; Victoria Johnson, Glenbard East; Shannon Koester, St. Francis; Sergio Luna, Glenbard West; Kali Maginity, Addison Trail; Sophie Meuch, Wheaton Warrenville South; James Schwabe, Downers Grove South; and Danyale Worsham, Lisle.

If you goWhat: "Live the Dream" annual Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebrationWhen: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18Where: Wheaton College Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin St., WheatonCost: FreeInfo: (630) 969-9800