Heights to Host Martin Luther King Day Celebration

For the 17th year in a row, the City of Chicago Heights is inviting residents to join them at city hall on Monday, Jan. 20 to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Things kick off at 10 a.m. with live entertainment by the Chicago Heights School District 170 jazz band followed by spoken word group L.Y.R.I.C. Winning entries from the recent “Expressions of Peace by Design,” poster contest, several of which are from Chicago Heights students, will be on display. The city also plans to announce the winners of this year’s “Fostering Peace and Good Will in Our Community,” essay contest.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the way many people looked at race in America,” Mayor David Gonzalez said. “It’s wonderful to see our diverse city come together and honor a man who fought for the unity I see in Chicago Heights every day.”

And as part of the annual tradition, the city will be honoring local humanitarians, civic organizations and volunteers with Community Legacy Awards in recognition of their hard work.

“We are seeking to promote and celebrate the legacy of Rev. King and garner the acceptance of diversity in the community,” City Clerk and event organizer Lori Wilcox said. “It’s an honor to be tasked with putting together this celebration, to honor a man that was so important to my life and many others’.”