North Central College presents works by photographer Bernard J. Kleina through March 2

North Central College will showcase works by photographer Bernard J. Kleina in the exhibit “The Chicago Freedom Movement Photography” Jan. 17 through March 2.

The exhibit is free and open to the public in the College’s Schoenherr Gallery at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. An artist reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; complimentary refreshments will be served. For gallery hours or to learn more about the exhibit, contact Nickole C. Lanham, North Central’s gallery director, at 630-637-5375 or nclanhammurray@noctrl.edu.

Kleina is a professional photographer who has devoted his life to ensuring that all people are treated fairly and equitably in their search to achieve and enjoy the America Dream. In 1965, after viewing the attacks on civil rights marchers in what is now referred to as “Bloody Sunday,” Kleina traveled to Selma, Ala. to stand up for the rights of people who were denied the right to vote. In demonstrating for these rights, he was taken into custody for “parading without a permit.”

Kleina believes that it is his mission and responsibility “to hunger and thirst after justice.” He has served as executive director of HOPE Fair Housing Center in Wheaton for more than 41 years and is one of the most respected fair housing advocates in the country.

The exhibit is a small but revealing snapshot of Dr. Martin Luther King’s visit and marches in Chicago and is part of North Central College's annual observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Week and Black History Month. Other events include a keynote address by Grammy Award-winning artist, actor and author Common at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave.

This year’s MLK Week celebration includes the Chicago Sinfonietta performance of its “Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” with help from Nicole Cash’s horn and Elizabeth Norman’s soprano voice, a thought-provoking multimedia work “Mountaintop,” and the powerful voices of the Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir. The performance begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, in North Central’s Wentz Concert Hall. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix or call the box office at 630-637-7469 for tickets.

Nicor Gas is underwriting sponsor of Martin Luther King Jr. Week and Black History Month at North Central College. North Central College’s 2013-2014 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially sponsored by USG Corporation and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Season supporters include BMO Harris, Bulley & Andrews, Casa by Charleston, Grant Thornton, J.P. Morgan, Main Street Promenade, Marquette Properties, Nicor Gas, Ryan Hill Realty, Turner Construction Company, U.S. Bank Private Client Reserve and Water Street Development.