31st annual Prayer Breakfast celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.
The city of Elgin Human Relations Commission's 31st annual prayer breakfast took place at the business conference center of Elgin Community College Saturday. A diverse group of faith leaders and community members celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through prayer, song and spoken word.
Jere Vasser of Fresh Rivers of Life Inc. reflected and said a prayer in honor of King, Rev. Andrew Love of 2nd Baptist Church of Elgin led the group in prayer and retired Elgin Police officer Gary Neal sang "A Change is Going to Come" and received resounding applause and a standing ovation.
Joyce Fountain, a 25-year sociology faculty member at Elgin Community College, was the keynote speaker, speaking of the need to promote liberty, justice and freedom for all every day.
Bruce D. Strom and Helen Lopez Strom of the Gospel Justice Initiative received the 2016 Dr. King Humanitarian Award for their life work of service.
For more events celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. in Elgin, go to