Y.O.U. to Hold MLK Day Event at Music Institute of Chicago

Submitted by Y.O.U. Evanston

Youth Organizations Umbrella (Y.O.U.) is inviting community members to its ninth annual Diverse Communities United (DCU) celebration from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on January 19 (MLK Day) at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston.

DCU is a free, community-wide celebration that engages youth and families from across Evanston and Skokie in performances and speeches that promote non-violence.

This year’s theme, One World, focuses on the ways that individuals can contribute to the larger community in honor of MLK’s dream for diversity and togetherness. The event will feature original songs, choreography, dramatic performances, and visual art pieces created by youth from all eight of Y.O.U.’s afterschool programs across Evanston and Skokie.

The youth in this year’s show are extremely fortunate to be receiving guidance from an extraordinarily talented group of coaches. Chicago actress and Joseph Jefferson Award winner Susie McMonagle, who once appeared on Broadway as Fantine in Les Miserables, is serving as the lead coach to all of the performers. Meanwhile, Yale University’s oldest co-ed a cappella group, Redhot and Blue, will be visiting with some of Y.O.U.’s young singers and best-selling author Wes Moore will be talking with some of Y.O.U.’s young storytellers in the lead up to the event.

A free lunch and reception will follow DCU at Lake Street Church (607 Lake Street, Evanston). DCU is co-sponsored by Y.O.U. and the Music Institute of Chicago. The event is free and all are invited. RSVP is preferred by clicking here.