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MLK Day not just another day off
Ayesha Truman gives some instruction to the Urban Arts Club of Hinsdale South High School as they rehearse their performance of "Restore The Dream." | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 19, 2013 12:33PM
LISLE — It’s more than just another day off.
That’s the message several organization hope to get out about Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
At Benedictine University in Lisle, the day will be spent remembering and celebrating King’s life and contributions.
College of DuPage, Benedictine University and Nicor Gas Company are teaming up to present the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.
“It’s something both colleges are very proud of,” said Becky Gavillet, community relations specialist at College of DuPage.
Featuring a keynote presentation by retired U.S. Army Col. Jill Morgenthaler, the event also will present the winners of the 2013 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships.
An essay is written by each scholarship applicant.
“The essay revolves around the teachings of Martin Lutheran King and how they put that into practice in everyday life,” said Gavillet. She said two winners will be chosen from each of the two colleges, and portions of those winning essays will be read during the breakfast.
King’s “I Have a Dream” speech also is the focus of events planned at Brookfield Zoo on Monday.
In addition to free admission (though parking charges still apply), the zoo will show his famous speech at noon in the Discovery Center at noon. Guests are then invited to reflect on and share their own dreams by creating a Tibetan prayer flag, which is traditionally used to promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom.~.
MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1983, but in 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service for Americans to make their communities and the nation stronger. Mlkday.gov serves a resource for people looking for a place to serve.
