Dusable Museum’s 2015 King Day: Enjoy a full day of activities honoring the late Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the DuSable Museum of African American History. Event highlights include “Reflecting on the Dream” – Programming for the entire family; “The King Day Read On” – Powerful Civil Rights passages read by invited Chicago Community Leaders, media personalities, and concerned citizens; “A Legacy for America’s Children, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” – Musical Narrative Play performed by Joan Collaso; “Reflecting on the Dream: Black Lives Matter” – Students from several Chicago based Colleges and Universities discuss poignant questions affecting the Black Community; and arts and crafts. Monday, January 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum: The Chicago History Museum will commemorate and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a family-friendly day. This event incorporates spoken word, performance, and craft activities to reflect Dr. King’s messages of peace and justice. Event highlights include kids’ crafts with artist Sue Romanelli; The MLK Project: Fight for Civil Rights, performance followed by post-show discussion (produced by Writers Theatre); Kids for Peace, performance by storyteller Gwen Hilary and musician Enoch Williamson; Precious Lord: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir; “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr., reenactment by Oba William King, Q&A session to follow. Monday, January 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Art Institute: Come to the Art Institute‘s Ryan Education Center to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with your family. Make a special memory, create a portrait of a hero, and discover new favorites at the museum. Monday, January 19, 10 a.m .- 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Chicago Sinfonietta‘s highly popular Annual Tribune to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year celebrates the boundless optimism of youth as the orchestra is joined by young musicians, composers, singers and poets who embody the next generation of Dr. King’s legacy. Guests include 17-year-old African-American composer/conductor Jherrard Marseille Hardeman, 13-year-old African-American prodigy cellist Sujari Britt, high school-aged spoken word poets from Young Chicago Authors and the powerful singers of the Waubonsie Valley High School Mosaic Choir. The passionate words and civic activism of Dr. King, along with countless sacrifices made during the U.S.’ civil rights movement of the 1950’s and ‘60’s, created the foundation for today’s young artists of color to have opportunities unheard of just a few generations ago. The Sinfonietta’s 2015 tribute concert opens with Chicago actor and orator Wayne K. Woods channeling Dr. King with a dramatic recitation of part of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Youth continues to inspire with Young Chicago Authors’ fresh take on Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, followed by a return performance by crowd favorites, the Waubonsie Valley High School Mosaic Choir, putting their youthful spin on Dr. King’s legacy through song. This annual, and highly-anticipated, crowd-pleaser celebrates our future and our past through the eyes of the next generation. Monday, January 19, 7:30 p.m.
