Advocate Christ's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Features Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Singer

Photo: Rev. Smokie Norful, Grammy Award-winning gospel singer and pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook.

Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Reverend Smokie Norful will highlight the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Advocate Christ Medical Center on Monday, Jan. 18. The celebration’s theme is “Spirit of the Living God, We Need You Now!”

Rev. Norful is best known for his 2002 release, “I Need You Now”, and his 2004 release, “Nothing Without You,” which won a Grammy at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2015, he received his second Grammy for his song, “No Greater Love.” Rev. Norful currently serves as pastor of the Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook.

The free event, which will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the medical center’s Robert N. Stein, M.D. Auditorium on Kilbourn Avenue, just south of 93rd Street in Oak Lawn, will be open to the public. A copy of Rev. Norful’s latest CD, “Forever Yours,” will be available as a gift to all attendees.

Following the formal portion of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, the medical center will host a multicultural lunch buffet in the dining area just outside the Auditorium.

“The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at our medical center traditionally draws hundreds of participants and features local, regional and national leaders, celebrities and activists noted for their work in promoting face relations, social justice and societal fairness and equality,” said Rev. Richard E. James, Christ Medical Center chaplain and chair of the Martin Luther King Celebration and Multicultural Taste Committee.

“It is truly an inspiring event, capped by a smorgasbord of foods representing cultures throughout the world,” he said.