NCC hosts weeklong tribute to King
From prayer to comedy, North Central College is hosting a weeklong celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The public events, which are free, are meant to be a time for reflection and forward thinking.
"They're not just coming to listen to something and leave," said Viviana Kabbabe, director of multicultural affairs at the Naperville college. "It's something they'd want to do just as a means of reflecting on their own life and where they are and where they want to be in their life."
The week kicks off today with a prayer breakfast at 7 a.m. at the White Activities Center, 325 E. Benton Ave. The event features keynote speaker Dawn Pleas-Bailey, a North Central alumna and vice president of student affairs at Southwestern College in Kansas. To RSVP, call (630) 637-5151.
Instead of the usual march after breakfast, the college will have a community rally at noon Tuesday titled "Dreams for the Future" in Old Main Plaza outside the Rolland Center Boilerhouse Cafe 29 N. Loomis St.
Kabbabe said students are running the event and will serve as keynote speakers.
"They'll be talking about their ancestry and struggles they went through and how (King's) vision has come along," she said.
On Wednesday, the college will have a viewing and discussion of the film "Glory in Black and White," about the 1966 NCAA basketball championships in which the Texas Western Miners had the first all-black starting lineup. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the White Activities Center.
The starting guard for that championship team, Willie Worsley, will be on hand Thursday to talk about his experiences. A reception will begin at 6:15 p.m. and Worsley's lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at the White Activities Center.
"Somehow this team won based on their courage, discipline for the sport and some connection to their desire to win for so many other causes, other reasons," Kabbabe said. "Telling a story, sometimes someone's true experiences are the most powerful way to get across to students."
Also on Thursday, worshippers can relive King's "Beyond Vietnam: Breaking the Silence" sermon at a chapel service at noon in Koten Chapel at Kiekhofer Hall, 329 E. School St.
Rounding out the week, there will be a "Poetry Slamaganza" showcasing local talent at 7 p.m. at The Union, 129 W. Benton Ave.
The festivities will wrap up with "The End Racism Tour Comedy Show," featuring Preacher Moss, an American Muslim comedian who has written for Damon Wayans, George Lopez and "Saturday Night Live." The performance will begin at 8 p.m. at the White Activities Center.
For information on the events, call (630) 637-5156 or visit noctrl.edu.