Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at South Suburban College

Thornton Township, South Suburban College and District #205 will once again honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a celebration at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16. Titled Love and Unity Conquers Hatred and Violence, the free event not only commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. King but features speeches about coming together as a community. The annual event takes place at the Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College, 15800 South State Street.

“Dr. King said ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. We all want to have peace in this world,’” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Thornton Township supervisor and South Suburban College board chairman. “We have to trust each other, love each other and work together.”

The celebration features Keynote Speaker Congresswoman Robin Kelly and performances by students from District #205, including singers and steppers.

“The Annual MLK celebration is necessary because it is an important reminder of Dr. King’s life, dream, legacy, and the contribution of those that helped make his vision a reality,” said Loretta Wells, chair for the event and a member of the Thornton Township Human Relations Commission. “This year’s theme “Love & Unity Conquers Hatred & Violence” was chosen because we want to remind everyone, especially our youth that Dr. King was able to overcome hatred by preaching love and unity. We must strive in today’s society to return to that basic message.”