The cities of Champaign and Urbana, Champaign County Board, Parkland College and the University of Illinois invite citizens to attend the 12th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration. The event will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 South Neil Street, Champaign, IL at 4pm. This event is free and open to the public.
This year’s theme is:
“HAVING THE COURAGE TO OVERCOME THE MOUNTAIN”
Keynote speaker is Mr. Ernest G. Green, Member of the Little Rock Nine. Featured entertainment is Barrington Coleman and Mo’ Betta Music Program, under the direction of Nathaniel Banks.
The purpose of the event is to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to recognize and honor individuals who have made many contributions to their community in the areas of civil rights, human rights and humanitarian efforts.
This year, the cities of Champaign and Urbana, Champaign County Board, Parkland College, and the University of Illinois will honor:
Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award
This award honors individuals/organizations that engage in outstanding volunteerism and in so doing, contribute to the well-being of the Champaign County Community.
~ Tori Exum-Johnson
James R. Burgess, Sr. – Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award
This award honors the humanitarian efforts of individuals/organizations that improve the human condition by alleviating suffering and contributing to the basic human dignity of those in need.
~ Crisis Line
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award
This award honors individuals/organizations that work for social justice in the spirit of Dr. King. The principles of justice that Dr. King espoused include promoting equal rights for all persons regardless of race, religion, economic status, or physical or mental disability.
~ Dr. Francis Ihejirika
The City of Champaign strives to ensure that its programs, services and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you are planning to attend this program and would like to request special accommodations, please contact the Community Relations Office at 217-403-8830 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the event with your specific request.
Contacts: 2013 MLK Celebration Committee
City of Champaign, 217.403.8830
Champaign County Board, 217.384.3776
Parkland College, 217.353.2024
University of Illinois, 217.333.0885
City of Urbana, 217.384.2455
“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles…”
~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.