DuPage County to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
One of the biggest celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in DuPage County inspires an I-have-a-dream-worthy message, says the Rev. Danita Anderson.
The chairwoman of the committee organizing the 22nd annual celebration says the free event responds to the civil rights leader's plea to bridge differences by inviting members of all faiths and backgrounds to attend a worship service.
The celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Elmhurst College's Hammerschmidt Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave.
“Hopefully, they (participants) will be challenged to find ways on their own to continue the dream,” Anderson said. “And young people as well.”
That dream and King's mission for social activism motivates Anderson, a pastor at St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn, in a variety of efforts, from supporting homeless shelters to food pantries.
“His (King's) philosophy around nonviolence and social justice is kind of a daily experience,” Anderson said. “Finding ways to work for those who are the least and the last and the left out.”
The celebration — expected to attract 600 people — also will include a keynote address by the Rev. Donald F. Guest, former pastor at the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco.
“We thought he would be a powerful speaker,” said Anderson, praising that church's outreach to the homeless.
In addition, the choir from Lisle-based DuPage AME Church will perform high-energy gospel anthems.
At the end of the celebration, scholarships will be awarded to DuPage high school seniors who demonstrate aspects of King's leadership, including a respect for diversity.
Anderson said the scholarships are $500 for each student and funded by sponsors, businesses or donations, which can be made during the service. For details, call (630) 308-0001.
If you go
Here's a look at what's happening in DuPage County to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
Aurora
What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day educational performance
When: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16
Where: SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Info: scitechmuseum.org or (630) 859-3434.
Carol Stream
What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16
Where: Wheaton Christian Center, 610 E. North Ave., Carol Stream
Details: Keynote address by the Rev. James Ward of Tinley Park-based Family Harvest Church; dessert reception follows the speech and performances by local church groups
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 260-7600
Elmhurst
What: DuPage County Martin Luther King Celebration
When: 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 16
Where: Elmhurst College's Hammerschmidt Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 308-0001
Lisle
What: College of DuPage and Benedictine University's Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
When: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16
Where: Second floor of the Krasa Student Center, Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle
Details: Keynote address by author Mawi Asgedom, who fled the Ethiopian civil war and lived in a Sudanese refugee camp for three years before graduating from Wheaton North High School and Harvard University; after, Asgedom signs his books and offers a breakout session
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Info: (630) 942-3872
Naperville
What: North Central College's Prayer Breakfast
When: 7 to 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16
Where: Harold and Eva White Activities Center, 325 E. Benton Ave., Naperville
Cost: Free, reservations required
Info: (630) 637-5151
What: Chicago Sinfonietta concert in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15
Where: North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Details: Featuring guest performers Nicole Mitchell, Jeri Lynne Johnson and the Apostolic Choir
Tickets: $45 and $35 adults, $10 children and students
Info: (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Wheaton
What: Martin Luther King Service Day Program
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16
Where: DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley Ave.
Cost: $25
Details: Proceeds help buy supplies for the People's Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton
Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com
Info: (630) 510-4941