Voices of Praise sing gospel songs during the 2019 MLK Week.

Martin Luther King Celebration Week 2020

Come celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with us!

You are cordially invited to North Central College's 2020 Martin Luther King Celebration Week Events including a book talk by author Candacy Taylor. For questions or accommodation information, please contact Samantha L. Bennett, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs, at slbennett@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5166.


Saturday, January 18, 2020

Book Talk: Candacy Taylor – Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel In America

Sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshops
Meiley-Swallow Hall
1:30 p.m. Reception, 2:00 p.m. Book Talk Presentation & Q/A
For 30 years, starting in 1936, The Green Book was the African-American Traveler's trusted travel guide. Knowing where Black vacationers and road warriors could safely spend the night, or purchase meals or buy gas was a minefield. The well-informed traveler needed confidence in potentially life or death matters. That fascinating and frightening history unfolds in Candacy Taylor's new book, Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America. This non-ticketed event is free and open to the public. No purchase is necessary to attend this event.

Author and North Central College guest speaker Candacy Taylor.

Other Martin Luther King Celebration Week events

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Chicago Sinfonietta MLK Tribute Concert
Wentz Concert Hall, 3 p.m.
Sinfonietta traditions meld with impactful social issues during one of its most stirring MLK tribute concerts to date!
Tickets are $10 for students; contact the Wentz Concert Hall box office at 630-637-7469.

Monday, January 20, 2020

MLK Prayer Breakfast Speaker: Dr. Herman B. White, Jr.
Judy G. Stevenson Hall (Wentz Science Center), 10 a.m.
The MLK Prayer Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together to honor the life, ministry, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. RSVPs are required.  Please submit your MLK Prayer Breakfast RSVP to Marilyn Zydlo at 630-637-5151 or mdzydlo@noctrl.edu by Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

African-American Read-In
Multicultural Student Center, Harold and Eva White Activities Center (2nd Floor), 6 p.m.
At this event, African-American literature will be shared by attendees, for attendees! Join us in celebrating MLK Week by sharing your favorite African-American media or simply coming to see what others bring. Light refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

“Selma” Movie and Discussion
Old Main Smith Hall (2nd Floor), 6 p.m.
The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.  Discussion to follow. Free popcorn will be provided.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Poetry Slam and Soul Food Night
Old Main Smith Hall (2nd Floor), 6:30 p.m.
Participants can share their favorite poems or just listen while enjoying a dinner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s favorite foods.

Friday, January 24 - Saturday, January 25, 2020

Multicultural Affairs Student of Color Leadership Retreat
Students may contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at mca@noctrl.edu to sign up.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Trip to the “1619 Project with Nikole Hannah Jones” at Chicago Ideas Week
Venue SIX10, 6:30 p.m.
From the event website: “This timely and powerful discussion will examine the complex and lingering legacy of slavery, exposing its present-day effects on every aspect of American life.”  Interested North Central College students may sign up at the WAC front desk for $5.  Students can only purchase one ticket. Transportation via train to Chicago is included in the cost.
 
We look forward to seeing our campus community at all of our 2020 MLK Celebration Week events.

The MLK Celebration Week Programs are sponsored by: Nicor Corporation, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Faith and Action, Fine Arts, Center for Social Impact, Cultural Events, Office of Residence Life, Office of Alumni and Development, Anderson’s Bookstore, College Scholars Honors Program, Black Student Association, Voices of Praise, Oesterle Library, and The Division of Student Affairs.

Check out more from Multicultural Affairs

At North Central College, we celebrate our differences. We know that an important part of being a member of the North Central College Community is embracing the diversity of our campus community. We promote a perspective that recognizes, understands, respects, appreciates, and celebrates the various cultures that exist in all individuals. The Office of Multicultural Affairs supports the success and achievement of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Furthermore, it is our vision to educate and inspire the North Central College community to discover and experience the value of cultivating cross-cultural interpersonal relationships.

A group of North Central College students who work in Multicultural Affairs.