The world lost a pioneer in civil rights more than 40 years ago, but Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact continues to resonate today. In celebration of the national holiday your Chicago Heights Patch would like to highlight a few events going on near you Monday.

1.  "Dream Like A King" Youth Empowerment Day - Take your children over to Sergeant Means Park for a celebration that will include musical guest, poetry and special performances, one of which will be a theatrical production by Chicago youth organization Kidz Korna. If you registered early and you'll receive a free lunch. The event times are 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.

2. King Day Movie Matinee - Steger-South Chicago Heights Library will be celebrating Dr. King's birthday with a movie educating children about the teachings and legacy of the preacher from Atlanta, GA, that sparked change across a nation. This event starts at 1 p.m.

3. Chicago Heights City Council Celebrate MLK Day - Every year Chicago Miracle Temple Church has a special celebration honoring Dr. King's birthday. This year is no different. Mayor Vincent Zaranti will be in attendance along with the the City Council. The event starts at 4 p.m.

There's still plenty of time to mark your calendars and plan to attend one of these wonderful events (if not all of them). You could also Dr. King in your own way. Just remember to take a moment to fuly understand why so many of us are don't have to go to work on Monday.

If there are any other MLK-related events that you know about send me an e-mail and we'll throw them up on our events calendar.