Elgin’s annual MLK prayer breakfast returns for 39th year
Elgin’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. prayer breakfast is back for its 39th year on Saturday, Jan. 13.
The program celebrating the civil rights leader will be held at Elgin Community College, Building E, beginning at 8:30 a.m. All 250 tickets for the event have been sold.
Co-chair Janice Hare said the breakfast each year is themed after a King quote. This year’s quote is, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
“It was a very long time ago that Dr. King said that, and people all over the world continually march for justice. And do we really have justice? No,” Hare said. “Is the fight over? No. Do we continue to fight for justice in housing, in employment, to have a seat at the table and be part of the decision-making process? Yes.”
McKinley Elementary School principal Jeron Shelton will serve as emcee of the event.
Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson will be the keynote speaker.
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, which recognizes Elginites whose work reflects the teachings and life of King, will be awarded to the Gail Borden Public Library staff and organization.
“They’re a compassionate group of people who serve everyone in the community,” Hare said.
Eight local high school seniors also will be awarded MLK scholarships. The awards are given annually to students who have demonstrated an active interest and meaningful involvement in the areas of human rights, civil rights, social justice and/or world peace.
Twenty-six students were nominated this year for the scholarships that usually range between $500 and $1,000.
The annual food drive, now in its 11th year, aims to collect 50 tons of food for six area pantries. The event will include a special tribute to Joe Wars, who chaired the drive since its inception. Wars died in December.
Canned goods and household items can be dropped off at the Gail Borden Library, Elgin police and fire stations, city hall, the Elgin YWCA and most local churches. While food donations are appreciated, cash donations are preferred.
Every dollar collected can purchase about 8 pounds of food. Donations can be made at lf-forms.cityofelgin.net/Forms/MLK-Food-Drive.