Above / Martin Luther King, Jr., led the March on Washington in 1963, a demonstration from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial where he presented his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech for racial equality, freedom and justice for all. More than two years prior to the March, MLK visited the North Central College campus in Naperville where he gave a speech at the College’s Pfeiffer Hall in 1960. (Photo via World Book 1989 / Ebony Magazine)
Remember Martin Luther King, Jr. ( 1929-1968)
I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Did you know?
Michael King, Jr., was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, a namesake of his father, Reverend Michael King. That child is recognized today as civil-rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr.
King’s birthday was approved as a federal holiday in 1983, signed into being by President Ronald Reagan. By 2000, all 50 states had made it a state government holiday.
According to many stories online, young King’s name change came after his father’s travels to Germany. While visiting Germany, the elder Reverend King became inspired by Martin Luther, the 16th-century leader of the Protestant Reformation. Afterward, the Reverend changed both his name and that of his five-year-old son to Martin Luther. Young Martin went on to distinguish himself as a magnificent speaker, forgiving advocate and the most important civil rights leader of 20th-century American history.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated in the U.S. on the third Monday in January every year, and Americans are encouraged to volunteer to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy.
“Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Naperville Public Schools Closed on Jan. 17, 2022
To commemorate Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 17, schools are closed in Districts 203 and 204. Martin Luther King, Jr., was born Jan. 15, 1929.
MLK is honored at North Central College
Virtual MLK Vision Day Activities on January 17, 2022
North Central College has a long history of celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a history highlighted by Dr. King’s visit to campus and speech at the College’s Pfeiffer Hall in 1960.
This year, the College will host a number of virtual MLK Vision Day events under the theme “Keep Moving Forward.” Members of the public are welcome to join the North Central College community for the following virtual events.
MLK Vision Day Virtual Teach-In
Monday, January 17, 9AM-12PM
The Teach-In is an opportunity to engage the community in learning and conversation about topics including race, anti-racism, equity, inclusion and Dr. King’s goals of peace and justice. The Teach-In sessions will take place via Zoom and registration is required.
For hourly session descriptions and links to register, refer to this document.
MLK Vision Day Virtual Luncheon
Monday, January 17, 12-1PM
North Central College is proud to welcome MLK Vision Day Virtual Luncheon speaker Rev. Dr. Geneace Williams, diversity, equity and inclusion manager for the City of Naperville, who will speak on the topic of “We have tarried here long enough.”
The virtual luncheon will be live streamed on the North Central College YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/NorthCentralCollegeNaperville. (Update / The video of the virtual lunchtime program is now streaming in the third row of choices, first position.)
Community Service Projects
Monday, January 17, 1-4:30PM
Campus and local community members are encouraged to visit the College’s community service portal at noctrl.galaxydigital.com to view and participate in in-person and virtual community service opportunities around DuPage County.
For more information about North Central College’s 2022 MLK Vision Day and MLK Week activities and events visit northcentralcollege.edu/mlk22.
Event listing provided by Kelly Murphy, Associate Director of Communications & PR, for North Central College.
A Song of Tribute for all Seasons
Written in 1968 by Dick Holler, “Abraham, Martin & John” was first recorded by Dion DiMucci, better known as “Dion” with Dion and the Belmonts. The song honors the memories of four icons of social change, all of whom were assassinated: Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) and Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968).
Individuals who were teens back in 1968 especially will remember when the song was written in response to the assassinations of King and the younger Kennedy in April and June that year.
In addition to Dion, who turned 82 years old on July 18, 2021, the song was recorded by Andy Williams, Kenny Rogers, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and others; and is remembered for its poignant message that “it seems the good, they die young.”
In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Listen to MLK present ‘I Have a Dream’ in his voice
Consider supporting Project H.O.O.D. Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center.
Updated Jan. 17, 2022
