“Diversity is our Strength! Unity is our Goal! Empowerment is our Destiny!” These words express the theme of Elgin’s 27th Annual Celebration of the life, actions and dreams of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, the City of Elgin and community partners celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the month of January. This year, the commemorative events have been expanded to include, a talent show on Friday, January 13th at ECC, as well as a Youth Community Day of Service on Monday, January 16th.
Tickets are now available for the MLK Prayer Breakfast, being held this year on Saturday, January 14th at the Centre of Elgin Heritage Ballroom at 100 Symphony Way. Tickets are $15.00 in advance, available at City Hall, or mail-in forms are available on the city’s website at www.cityofelgin.org.
The complete schedule of events for the newly expanded celebration includes:
Friday, January 13- 7:30 p.m. MLK Talent Show and GospelFest at Elgin Community College VPAC. The talent show will serve as the Kick-off event for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Weekend. The talent show will feature area individuals who will showcase their talents.
Saturday, January 14, 8:00 a.m. MLK Prayer Breakfast at the Centre of Elgin, Heritage Ballroom. Tickets $15.00 in advance, available at City Hall, or mail-in forms are available on the city’s website at www.cityofelgin.org. The 27th Annual Prayer Breakfast is an occasion to reflect on the works of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and to honor area individuals and organizations who carry on Dr. King’s message. Traci O’Neal Ellis will be the feature keynote speaker.
Sunday, January 15, 4:00 p.m. MLK Community Program, Hemmens Cultural CenterThe 27th Annual Public Program is an opportunity to witness local youth groups celebrating the life work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Winners of the Art and Essay Contest, as well as the Scholarship recipient will be recognized.
Monday, January 16, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. MLK Day of Service and Youth Leadership Conference, Centre of Elgin, Heritage Ballroom and Conference Rooms. Area youth will be participating in a Day of Service that benefits our residents who are most in need.
Part of the celebration includes an annual art and essay contest, the award of a college scholarship and recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations whose efforts reflect the life work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Information on the art and essay contest, scholarship application process and nominations of individuals and organizations for the Humanitarian Award, and on all events, may be obtained on the City of Elgin’s website www.cityofelgin.org or by contacting Cherie Murphy at (847) 931-5667 or murphy_c@cityofelgin.org. Entries must be received no later than December 2, 2011.
Members of the MLK Planning Committee include: Danise Habun (Chair Elgin Human Relations Commission), Janice Richards (Vice-Chair Elgin Human Relations Commission), Shaan Jones, June Wooten, Leon Bradshaw, Joe Wars, Dianha Ortega-Ereth and Algwana Dussard, with the support of city staff members Cherie Murphy and Barb Keselica. For more information on the events or the process for joining either the Elgin Human Relations Commission or the 2012 MLK Planning Committee, please contact the City of Elgin at (847) 931-5667.