On Monday, January 15, 2024, our country celebrates the life of Martin Luther King. In a similar but not as dramatic fashion, we in Naperville can celebrate his values with Century Walk’s sculpture “Golden Rule Day,” at 16 E. Jefferson Avenue. Our 12th public art location (of 53), which was dedicated in 2000, honors Reba Steck, a local one room school teacher remembered for her passion and dedication to her job.
Throughout her 48 year career, starting in 1914, she implored her students to recite the Golden Rule: “We’ll treat everyone the way we want to be treated.” When school officials refused to admit a student of color years before the civil rights movement, Steck advocated for equality, telling her students they could no longer begin their day by reciting the Golden Rule. Her students talked to their parents about the injustice and school officials ultimately integrated the school.
And that is why we’re pleased to honor her and believe that Dr. King would be equally appreciative of remembering the content of her character.
About Century Walk
The Century Walk Corporation, founded in 1996, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing public art to Naperville, to add beauty to the town, build community and bridge generations by paying tribute to over 200 years of Naperville history through a diverse collection of murals, mosaics, sculptures and more.
Learn more about 50-plus pieces of Naperville public art at www.centurywalk.org.
