Knox College will host its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation — an event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King—at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19 at Harbach Theatre in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts.
This year’s convocation speaker is Melvin L. Rogers, the Edna and Richard Salomon Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
Rogers' latest book, "The Darkened Light of Faith: Race, Democracy, and Freedom in African American Political Thought" won three disciplinary awards in political science. His address, titled, "Democracy and Faith in Dark Times," builds on his book and touches on the importance of freedom and equality in American life.
Knox is hosting several other events on Jan. 19 as well. All are open to the community.
- 4 to 5 p.m., Children’s Reading Hour at the Galesburg Public Library, hosted by Knox College A.B.L.E. (Allied Blacks for Liberty and Equality) students. This hour will feature stories exploring kindness, fairness, and the courage to do what is right, reflecting values inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- 6:30 p.m., Candlelight March from Wilson House to HOPE Center on the Knox campus. Hot chocolate will be served, and battery-operated candles will be provided.
- 8 p.m., “Dances for Social Change: The Legacy Project” in Kresge Recital Hall at Ford Center for the Fine Arts.
Here are other events in the region commemorating The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Galesburg
The Ascent Church, 169 S. Cherry St., will host a Community Celebration Breakfast in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19.
DeAndre Henderson is the keynote speaker. The program will also include fellowship, communal singing, a junior high essay contest, and breakfast.
Doors open at 7 a.m., and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under, available at the door.
Guests should enter on Tompkins Street.
Keokuk
The Keokuk Association for Rights and Equality will present a program at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 at New Bethel Church, 1217 Morgan St.
In addition to music from Voices of Worship and Rising Stars Children’s Choir, the event will feature guest speaker, principal at Keokuk High School.
Refreshments will be served following the program.
Organizers do not plan to march this year.
Macomb
Mt. Calvary COGIC, 1500 E. Pierce St., will host a day of remembrance and a free community meal on Monday, Jan. 19.
Reb. Carolyn C. Clair from Zion United Church in Burlington will be speaking.
The event begins at 10:30 a.m.
A free meal will be available in the lower level of the church from noon to 2 p.m.
Organizers do not plan to march this year.
Did we miss an event? Email publicradio@wiu.edu