Martin Luther King Day Events in Evanston 2014

The following Martin Luther King Day events were listed by Evanston Township High School:

FROM THE CITY OF EVANSTON:

Monday, January 20

Y.O.U Presents Diverse Evanston Walks United
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Y.O.U. presents Diverse Evanston Walks United,  a celebration comprising of singing, dancing, acting, speaking, photography and student created montages from all eight Y.O.U. afterschool locations. This year's theme, "What it Takes", remembers the people, perseverance and actions that Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement produced to improve society.  "Diverse Evanston Walks United" provides the opportunity for community-wide education and discussion on key problems affecting Evanston and actions being taken to reduce violence. During this year's program, Y.O.U. organizers will be rewarding a community member with its first ever "What it Takes" Award for their significant contributions to the community. A reception will be held at Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., at 1 p.m. following the event to view student artwork based on the "What it Takes" theme and foster conversation amongst community members.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Childrens Room, Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
Create a Peace Tree craft and add to the "I Have a Dream Wall." At 2 p.m., there will be a screening of two inspiring DVDs of two of the Library's favorite Martin Luther King Jr. picture books: Martin’s Big Words and March On. Then, at 3 p.m., Reverend Eddie Reeves’ will present Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream Speech".  

Honor the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
2 p.m., Saint Francis Hospital Auditorium, 355 Ridge Ave.
Join Reverend Joseph N. Perry as he reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and tells the story of Father Augustus Tolton, who's journey serves as a poignant reminder that all things are possible when the human spirit is free.For specific event details, click here.

The Words of Dr. King: A Choral Chant
3:30 p.m., Lobby, Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
Watch and enjoy Evanston Public Library's teen theater troupe from The Loft as they perform The Words of Dr. King: A Choral Chant. This original work is based on the writings and speeches of Dr. King. Drawing from texts like King's "Why We Can't Wait" as well as the "Mountaintop" speech and others, this "choral chant" is arranged by teens and emphasizes themes of justice and democracy. It will also feature several elements of surprise for the audience. 

Down with The King: Observing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
6-8 p.m., Community Room, Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
The Evanston Art Center in conjunction with Insight Arts hosts: Down with The King: Observing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keith Brown and Craig Harshaw will lead this program that explores the legacy of King through our current visual culture and political moment. Together we will watch the "Mountaintop Speech", an interview excerpt from James Baldwin, and view a work by two contemporary artists.

Campus Observance: Candlelight Vigil featuring Dr. Warren Washington
7 p.m., Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Rd. 


Monday, January 27 

Campus Observance: Keynote Speaker Myrlie Evers-Williams
6 p.m., Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Dr.

Building Closures
The Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center and Ecology Center will be closed on Mon., Jan. 20. Chandler-Newberger Center will be closed on Jan. 20 except for open basketball from 1:30-5:30pm. 

For more information visit the City of Evanston’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day web page at: (http://www.cityofevanston.org/festivals-concerts/martin-luther-king-jr-day/)

FROM NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY:

Monday, January 20 

A Martin Luther King Day Commemoration Special Event 

A staged reading co-presented with Next Theatre Company By Vivienne Franzmann Directed by Damon Krometis Doors open at 1:30 p.m.Josephine Louis Theater Written by British playwright and former schoolteacher Vivienne Franzmann, "Mogadishu" dramatizes the story of a white teacher pushed to her limits amid racial tension and false accusations within a tough London secondary school. The award-winning play can be seen as a kind of street test of multicultural education, with deeply problematic and tragic outcomes. A post-show discussion will feature Jelani Mandara, associate professor of human development and social policy in Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy, and Eric Witherspoon, superintendent of Evanston Township High School District 202. Warning: Contains strong language and may not be suitable for patrons under the age of 13. FREE ADMISSION

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