Join us for Diverse Evanston Walks United on MLK Day (Jan. 21)

A coalition of Evanston non-profits are pleased to announce the seventh annual Diverse Evanston Walks United (DEWU). DEWU is an annual, community-wide celebration that engages young people from across Evanston in performances and speeches that promote non-violence.

This year’s theme, Hear the Echo: My Voice, My Community, My Future, is aimed at remembering, honoring, and responding to the youth tragically lost to gun violence in Evanston over the last year. The event will feature original rap songs, choreography, and dramatic performances created by youth. The event will also feature a powerful keynote speech by Thomas Vanden Berk, CEO of UCAN (a child welfare agency in Chicago) and father of a 15-year-old son who was lost to gun violence.

The event is taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 21 (MLK Day) at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall at 1490 Chicago Ave in Evanston. A free lunch and interactive workshops will take place following the event from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the McGaw YMCA.

The event is co-sponsored by Y.O.U., the McGaw YMCA, the Music Institute of Chicago, the North Shore United Way, the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, and Evanston 150. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are preferred (but not required) athttps://youevanston.wufoo.com/forms/dewu/.