10th Anniversary of 'Diverse Communities United' Planned for MLK Day

EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston-based Youth & Opportunity United organization will hold its 10th annual “Diverse Communities United” celebration from 1-2:30 p.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18 at the Evanston Township High School Auditorium.

The event is a free, community-wide celebration that engages youth and families from across Evanston, Skokie and the Chicagoland area in performances, speeches and artwork that promote Dr. King’s legacy of peace, diversity, unity, leadership, and service, according to a news release.

The theme this year is “The Road Less Traveled,” which explores different routes to overcoming injustice, breaking down stereotypes, and leading for social change. More than 100 youth are set to perform and share their artwork, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and from the current national efforts about how we build a more equitable, just, and inclusive society.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the event, the Y.O.U. alumni involved in its creation returned to coach youth performers, alongside Chicago actress and Joseph Jefferson Award winner Susie McMonagle.

Evanston Own It, a coalition of faith and community leaders, will be honored with an award for their commitment to expanding opportunities for youth and reducing community violence.

Original songs, choreography, dramatic performances and visual art pieces created by youth from all eleven of Y.O.U.’s afterschool sites will be featured.

A reception will follow the event, which is free and open to the public.