Three ways to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with CLC 

GRAYSLAKE -- Start 2021 off by honoring and celebrating the life and accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with College of Lake County (CLC). Three different events on three different days offer three different ways to take part in the holiday.

“The legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. serves as a beacon to CLC today as we ensure equitable outcomes for students and the diverse communities of Lake County,” CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick said in a news release.

Information on each event is below.

Sunday, Jan. 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Realizing Dr. King’s Dream through “Good Trouble” and Nonviolence

Cost: Free

Taking place via Zoom webinar, this panel discussion is hosted by United Peace Coalition. CLC’s Center for Nonviolence is a member of the coalition. Among the speakers are U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, community activist Henry Cervantes of The Peace Exchange, author Thomas Armstrong, area law enforcement and youth leaders. The mission of the coalition is to promote a society that is inclusive, equitable, nonviolent and peaceful while advocating for understanding, respect and unity among all people. The discussion will be focused on racial justice between critical stakeholder groups and how the legacy of Dr. King relates to the nature of peaceful protests and demands for social justice today.

“My hope is that attendees take away the connections between the powerful words and actions of Dr. King, and the issues we face today around racial justice and the verbal and physical violence we witness in our society,” coordinator for CLC’s Center for Nonviolence Larry Leck said. “The first principle of Kingian Nonviolence teaches us that nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. May we all be those people, particularly at this time. To be a bystander now is to ignore our call to sustain what Dr. King called ‘The Beloved Community,’ which is a society based on justice and equal opportunity. An essential element of which is social and economic inclusiveness.”

Monday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

19th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamers’ Day

Cost: $50; proceeds from the event directly benefit Waukegan Township’s Senior Center

Taking place via Zoom webinar, Waukegan Township’s annual gathering moves to a virtual forum. In past years, the event would draw hundreds of in-person participants together for breakfast to hear from speakers, present awards and reflect on the impact of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year the virtual event, sponsored in part by CLC, has the theme “American heroes in the struggle toward justice, health and wholeness.” Speakers include former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson and a member of the U.S. Naval Academy. Front-line and essential workers will also be honored.

Monday Jan. 25 beginning at 6 p.m.

Know Your History to Guide Your Future

Cost: Free

CLC’s Multicultural Center will host a virtual presentation of a captivating and informative one-man play titled “I Have A Dream: A King’s Journey,” performed by Marcus Gentry Associates.

“This year we are partnering with the Lake County Alphas of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Chi Lambda chapter based in Waukegan,” CLC Multicultural Coordinator Beverly Phelps said. “Dr. King was a member of this illustrious fraternity. Normally they would hold a breakfast and scholarship event in his honor. This year they are partnering with us to present ‘Know Your History to Guide Your Future,’ a virtual event.”

Details on how to attend the virtual gathering will be posted on the fraternity chapter’s social media platforms: Facebook Lake County Alphas and Instagram Lake County Alphas.