Every third Monday of the month of January, the world takes time to celebrate a baptist minister, social activist, and the leader of the civil rights movement the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Cities and states across the country pause to remember his life and legacy by hosting programs, listening to his many famous speeches/sermons and watching documentaries about his life. Many also see and use this holiday as a day of service. As the holiday vastly approaches, the city of Chicago and surrounding areas are gearing up for another day and weekend filled with celebrations to pay homage and remember Dr. King. If you don’t have any plans to celebrate and remember Dr. King or you don’t know where to start, take a look at the list below to find out where, when and how you can commemorate him on this day.
The Union League Club of Chicago will host its annual luncheon to honor and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
Joint the Union League Club of Chicago at this annual event that will offer an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. This year’s keynote speaker is former Evanston Alderman Robin Rue Simmons.
Date: Friday, January 13, 2023
Time: 11:30 am- 1:30 pm
Location: Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Boulevard
Attire: Smart Casual
Cost: $35.00
The Chicago History Museum is hosting a Family Event for all ages.
Join the Chicago History Museum staff as they reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King through family-friendly activities and performances for all ages.
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 10:30 am- 3:30 pm
Location: The Chicago History Museum, 1601N. Clark Street
Cost: Admission is free on this day for Illinois residents. RSVP’s are not required but appreciated.
Live Storytelling: Freedom Stories at the Kusanya Cafe’
Join Sonny Speaks at this live storytelling event that will commemorate the Life & Legacy of Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Location: Kusanya Cafe, 825 W 69th St, Chicago
Cost: Admission is free.
Lawndale Christian Legal Center: MLK Celebration Housing is Violence Prevention
Join the members of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center as they celebrate Dr. King’s work of the past, discuss the work taking place in North Lawndale, and the opportunities before us in the areas of housing and economic development.
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
Location: Lawndale Christian Legal Center, 1530 South Hamlin Avenue
Cost: A donation of your choice will secure a ticket to the event.
A Day of HOUSE: Martin Luther King Holiday Tribute
Come and join Rhonda Flowers as she presents an entertainment filled tribute to Dr. King and his legacy.
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm -8:00 pm
Location: The Promontory, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue West
Cost: Ticket prices range from $10- $75. This event is for adults ages 21 and up
33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: PUSH for Excellence Scholarship and Program Breakfast
Join the members of PUSH Excel as they celebrate Dr. King’s legacy while honoring future scholars.
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 8:00 am -11:00 am
Location: Marriott Marquis Chicago, 2121 South Prairie Avenue
Cost: Individual tickets cost $150. Ticket sales end on January 15, 2023
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Intro to Nonviolence Principles & Act of Service
Come out and join the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago for two hours as they introduce Building the Beloved Community using Dr. King's Principles and Steps of Nonviolence.
Date: Monday, January, 16 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: 819 N Leamington Ave, 819 North Leamington Avenue, Chicago
Cost: Admission is free, but you must reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
All ages are welcome, and lunch will be provided.
MLK Family Project
Join the staff of the Bridge Teen Center and create memories and celebrate the legacy of Dr.King.
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm
Location: The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct, Orland Park
Cost: Admission is free
Family members age 10 and older are welcome to participate. A representative from families must sign up in advance. To sign up, email volunteer@thebridgeteencenter.org, or call 708.532.0500.
MLK Day of Service 2023
Join You Matter 2 as they prepare lunches for South Suburban PADS and tie blankets for Project Kennedy!
Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Location: Heather Hill Elementary School 1439 Lawrence Crescent Flossmoor, IL
Cost: Free, but it is recommended that you reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
These are just a few events and happenings that will occur to honor the memory of one of the greatest civil rights leaders known to mankind. However you choose to celebrate, make it a day that brings you closer to your family and community in honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.
Liz Lampkin is a Lifestyle, Love and Relationships writer. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin.