Chicago honors MLK Jr.’s legacy with community service and leadership initiatives
by: Andrea Medina, Ethan Illers
Posted: Jan 20, 2025 / 07:08 PM CST
CHICAGO – In Chicago, numerous events commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. included many community service projects.
City and state leaders, along with community members, gathered at Soldier Field Monday morning for the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, hosted by Push for Excellence and Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
The leaders met Monday morning united in advocating for quality education, safe communities and healthy homes for kids, all in commemoration of King’s impact and vision.
“Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day dedicated to a man and his amazing legacy. It’s also a celebration of the men and women who keep the dream alive,” Rep. Chris Welch (D-Cook County) said.
Also over at the Washington Park Fieldhouse, nearly 150 volunteers were under the same roof, picking up meals to deliver to senior citizens throughout the city.
“We know it’s like -15 degrees outside and our seniors are most vulnerable in the Chicagoland area, so this is the right day to serve our seniors,” Stephen Gilbert with My Block My Hood My City said.
Another remarkable show of community support was on display at Lindblom Math and Science Academy for ChiGivesBack’s seventh annual MLK Jr. Day of Service.
Nearly 500 volunteers worked at Lindblom, Little Angels Learning Center and Pershing Magnet School, painting hallways, creating murals and refreshing the teacher’s lounge.
“All nationalities, ethnicities coming together and we’re doing just that impact in these schools,” ChiGivesBack Co-Founder Sandi Robinson said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez all joined in to help as well. These activities pay tribute to King’s commitment to service and promoting social justice.
“Today means unity. It’s about coming together and making a difference and giving back to your community,” Robinson said.
The ChiGivesBack link is now active for nominating schools for next year’s MLK Jr. Day of Service.
While Monday offers opportunities for people to serve and give back, organizers said not to forget that King’s legacy encourages all to embrace peace, equality and unity every single day.