Communities around the region will hold events to commemorate The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, Jan. 15 marks the 95th anniversary of the birth of the American civil rights leader and activist.
Keokuk
Author and entrepreneur Lilian Okech will be the featured speaker. She is the founder of “Cleaning for Hope,” a cleaning service that hires and supports refugee families. She also started the nonprofit “Hope to Shine,” which provides support to people who’ve newly arrived in the U.S. Her presentation begins at 5 p.m. Sunday Jan. 14 at New Bethel Church, 1217 Morgan St. in Keokuk. A free-will donation dinner will follow the program.
Galesburg
The MLK Community Breakfast in Galesburg has been postponed until Saturday, Jan. 20. It will still begin at 7:30 a.m at Cedar Creek Hall.
Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney will be the keynote speaker at the MLK Holiday Breakfast. The program begins at 7:30 a.m. Monday Jan. 15 at Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St. Youth winners of the annual MLK essay contest will also be announced. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children under age 12.
Macomb
Macomb's MLK Day event at Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ has been postponed until April 4.
Macomb’s annual MLK Day program will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1500 E. Pierce St. It’s free and open to the public. Please note: The annual march to the church has been called off because of the forecast of frigid temperatures.
West Burlington
"Music at SCC" will present their annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. featuring the West Burlington High School choir, local musicians, and members of the All-American Jazz Collective. The concert is free and open to the public. It begins at 11 a.m. Monday Jan. 15 at Blackhawk Recreation Center at Southeastern Community College.
Monmouth
Monmouth College's MLK Day event has been canceled because of inclement weather. College officials will attempt to schedule a makeup day later this semester.
The Rev. Charles Burton will be the featured speaker at Monmouth College’s MLK Day celebration. He is the chief human resources officer of St. Louis Public Schools. The event begins at 11 a.m. Monday at Dahl Chapel and Auditorium. It’s free and open to the public.
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