Best Martin Luther King Day Celebrations in Chicago

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday and is celebrated yearly on the third Monday in January; the 2015 day of observance will be on January 19. There are a variety of Martin Luther King celebrations going on in the city of Chicago during the months of January and February, attending one or more of these best celebrations are a great way to learn more about and honor this extraordinary man.

Chicago Sinfonietta Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wentz Concert Hall
171 E. Chicago Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
(312) 284-1554
www.chicagosinfonietta.org
Date: Jan. 18, 2015

Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 294-3000
www.cso.org
Date: Jan. 19, 2015

This performance will be opened with a new symphonic work written by 15-year-old African American composer Jherrard Marseille Hardeman and will be followed by Sujari Britt, a cellist and prodigy since the age of of 4. They will join the orchestra to play Saint-Saens' Violoncello Concerto No. 1. Attend either the January 18 or 19 performance for a touching tribute to a man who made such a difference in America.

PUSH Excel 25^th Annual Scholarship Celebration & Breakfast
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(773) 373-3366
www.rainbowpush.org
Date: Jan. 19, 2015

This annual event hosted by Rainbow PUSH is a time to commemorate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while also raising money for scholarships. Tickets are listed for $125 per person and $1,250 for a table of 10. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a membership organization fighting for social change.

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Loyola University Chicago Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Luncheon
Water Tower Campus-Corboy Law Center: Kasbeer Hall
25 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 915-6500
www.luc.edu
Date: Jan. 21, 2015

The 2015 keynote speaker at this Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon is Toure who is a TV host, iconic journalist and culture critic. The theme of the celebration is "How Racism Functions Today." There will be a keynote speech at the Lake Shore Campus from 5 to 7 p.m. and a book signing to follow from 7 to 8 p.m.

American Library Association Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance And Sunrise Celebration
McCormick Place W., W181
2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 791-7000
www.alamw15.ala.org
Date: Feb. 2, 2015

This event is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Professor Dr. Cornel West will keynote the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observance and sunrise celebration. This annual event honors Dr. King's legacy and distinguishes the link between his life's work and the library world.

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Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.