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, Georgia, 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. 16, 2023
To commemorate Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 16, schools are closed in Districts 203 and 204. Martin Luther King, Jr., was born Jan. 15, 1929.
Wall Street Markets / Post Offices closed for MLK Day
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to be honored at North Central College during MLK Vision Day Activities
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.
Click here to view a previously posted overview of North Central College tributes for 2023 MLK Day.
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 83 years old on July 18, 2022, 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
Click here for complete text of “I Have a Dream” Speech as delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963.
Positively Naperville ‘Worldly Words’ January 2023
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
