Weeklong events celebrate the legacy of Dr. King

North Central College celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a full week of special events, Jan. 17-24, that honor and remember one of the most important figures of the 20th century. King spoke in North Central College’s Pfeiffer Hall in 1960.

Events include a keynote address by Dr. Cornel West, service project, prayer breakfast, films, gospel music concert, and community forum featuring panelists from the campus and local communities. This year’s theme for MLK Week is “A Journey Defined.”

Saturday, Jan. 17
Community Service Project with Chicago nonprofit Breakthrough
9:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
Prepare and serve lunch to homeless guests at Breakthrough, a nonprofit ministry in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. Sign up at WAC front desk or contact Brian Rainville at bmrainville@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5417.

Sunday, Jan. 18     
Chicago Sinfonietta soldout concert, “Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Wentz Concert Hall, 3 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 19    
Annual Prayer Breakfast
Harold and Eva White Activities Center (WAC), 7 to 8 a.m., free, RSVP to 630-637-5151
Keynote speaker is Shawndra Brown ’06 Lucas.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
Film screening, “Dear White People”
WAC, 8 p.m., free
African-American students navigate campus life and racial politics at a predominantly white college. Discussion to follow 
 
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Panel and breakout sessions: “Beyond Ferguson: Race, Class, and the Journey to Justice”
WAC, 5-7 p.m., free, buffet food
Panelists are radio host, blogger and former director of Civic Frame April Yvonne Garrett; freedom rider during the 1960s and Naperville resident Thomas Armstrong; Kim Brown, former North Central English faculty member; Stephen Maynard Caliendo, professor of political science; Ericka Adams, assistant professor of sociology; Brian Johnson ’95, transfer admission counselor; and John Arrington ’16, broadcast communication major.

Thursday, Jan. 22
Documentary screenings, “Nike: Behind the Swoosh” and “Tin Town”
Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 7:30 p.m., free
Two short films look at the ethics of global football or soccer, both in the unfair labor practices behind Nike and the exploitation of World Cup host countries by FIFA. Gerald Gems, professor of health and physical education, will introduce and discuss the films.

Friday, Jan. 23
Keynote speaker for MLK Week: Dr. Cornel West, author, academic, civil rights activist
Pfeiffer Hall, 7 p.m., free to campus community but tickets required, $10/public
     
Saturday, Jan. 24
Gospel Extravaganza
Pfeiffer Hall, 7 p.m., free to campus community but tickets required, $15 and $10/public
The lineup of performers include North Central College’s Voices of Praise gospel choir and Alumni Choir, Nick Lathon and Unrestricted praise team, Alexandria McCain gospel soloist and codirector of the Mosaic Choir at Waubonsie Valley High School, Porta Harris with Praise Mime, New Era Choir from Joliet Central High School, and the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Voices of Praise Choir directed by Sarah Homan ’07.  

Sponsors of the weeklong events include Nicor Gas and North Central’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, Cultural Events, Office of Ministry and Service, Office of International Programs, Residence Life and Student Governing Association.