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City of Evanston & Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
The MLK Project 2022
Monday, Jan. 17 at noon | Virtual
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all of the courageous people who fought for the civil and human rights of all people, the City of Evanston, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and Youth and Senior Theatre Ensemble Project will broadcast a collage of multigenerational, multiracial faces and voices delivering a portion of the iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. The video will be available for viewing on the FJT website by noon on Monday, Jan. 17.
Interfaith Action
Third Annual Walk for Warmth
Monday, January 17 at 11 a.m. | First United Methodist Church
Join Interfaith Action for their third annual family-friendly Walk for Warmth on Jan. 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day of Service. The two-mile walk through central Evanston starts at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church at 516 Church St. in downtown Evanston. This event will help raise awareness of homelessness and hunger in the city. There is no charge to register for the walk, but registration is required.
Evanston Public Library
Peace Tree Craft
Materials can be picked up beginning Friday, Jan. 14 | Main Branch
Come by the Main Children’s Desk or Robert Crown to pick up your craft kit. One per child, while supplies last.
Celebration of MLK Day, featuring Rev. Eddie Reeves
Monday, January 17 at 2 p.m. | Virtual
Join virtually on Jan. 17 for two short films based on best-selling children’s books for an elementary school overview of Dr. King and the American Civil Rights movement. Then enjoy the moving re-enactment of a part of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech that brings Dr. King to life by Rev. Eddie Reeves, part of the clergy team at First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston. Register to attend online.
Northwestern University
Keynote Address: Nikole Hannah-Jones
Monday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. | Virtual
Nikole Hannah-Jones is an investigative reporter covering racial injustice and creator of the New York Times’ 1619 Project. Published in 2019, the 1619 Project commemorated the 400th anniversary of the beginning of slavery in what would become the United States, examined slavery’s modern legacy and reframed the way Americans understand history and the contributions of Black Americans to the nation. Hannah-Jones lead essay was awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. In 2016, Hannah-Jones co-founded the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, a training and mentorship program for increasing the ranks of investigative reporters of color.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Vigil presented by the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Monday, Jan. 17, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Virtual
The first MLK Day at Northwestern was established in 1980, three years before the national holiday was established, by the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Dr. King’s fraternity. Each year, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Mu Chapter, raises funds for March of Dimes. Donate to March of Dimes / March for Babies here. Register to attend on Zoom
Additional event information can be found on the Northwestern website.
Main-Dempster Mile
New Ben Blount Mural Dedication
Monday, Jan. 17 at 1:30 p.m. | 600 Washington St.
A mural designed by local artist Ben Blount and inspired by the City of Evanston’s 2019 Resolution to End Structural Racism and Achieve Racial Equity will be dedicated at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 17. Blount will speak at the dedication along with Mayor Daniel Biss and 9th Ward Council member Cicely Fleming, followed by a ribbon-cutting dedication. The mural was commissioned by the Main-Dempster Mile and installed with the Evanston Mural Arts Program, a program of Art Encounter.