City of Evanston
Home MenuEvent Celebrations
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Evanston
Join in on multiple community events being held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
City of Evanston MLK Day of Celebration and Evanston Unity
January 19, 3 p.m., Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy through music, dance and a special guest keynote speaker, Pastor Monte Dillard, on Sunday, January 19, 3 p.m., at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
The day promises to be inspiring and entertaining, bringing people from all over Evanston together to demand equality for all people. Bring the entire family out for a show of Evanston unity! Light refreshments will be provided after the program.
NU Campus Observance: Alpha Phi Alpha Candlelight Vigil
January 20, 4 p.m., Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Rd.
The Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will host the annual candlelight vigil tradition, which includes a keynote address and musical performances from Northwestern student groups. A reception will follow. Learn more.
NU Campus Keynote, Tarana Burke
January 27, 5 p.m., Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Tarana Burke shares the story behind the genesis of the viral 2017 TIME Person Of The Year-winning ‘me too.’ Movement, and gives strength and healing to those who have experienced sexual trauma or harassment. Ticket required for admission.
Diverse Communities United
January 20, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Evanston Township High School Auditorium, 1600 Dodge Ave.Diverse Communities United (DCU) is Y.O.U.'s annual celebration of peace, diversity, unity, leadership, and service help in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year's theme is "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams." This youth-led, family-friendly event will feature performances and artwork by youth from 11 schools across Evanston and Skokie who seek to realize Dr. King's vision today. A community reception will be held in the lobby outside of the auditorium immediately following the program. Learn more.
The Evanston History Center: "A Turbulent Story of History"
January 20, noon to 1 p.m., Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St.
Just 19 days after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in Memphis in April 1968, a group of Black students at Northwestern University submitted a list of demands to university officials. Soon, they would undertake an act of civil disobedience: the occupation of Northwestern’s Bursar’s Office. Join in for a look at this action, its history, and its connections to the larger civil rights movement. This presentation by Jenny Thompson, author of The Takeover 1968, is free and open to the public. Make a reservation online.
Evanston Public Library Events
Drop-In Peace Tree Craft - in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Main Library
Head to the Main Children's Room of the Evanston Public Library to make a peace tree of many hands together, one of several meaningful Martin Luther King Jr Day events.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration
January 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Main Library, Children's Room
Join the Evanston Public Library on January 20 to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pick out a free book, enjoy a storytime, and listen to the I Have A Dream speech!
Martin Luther King Film Festival Martin's Big Words and March On!
January 20, 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m., Main Library, Barbara Friedberg Storytelling Room (104)
View two short films based on the best selling children's books, Martin's Big Words and March On!, to get an elementary school overview of King and his leadership of American's Civil Rights movement.
Rev Eddie P Reeves' Dr King's "I Have a Dream" Speech
January 20, 3 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., Main Library, Children's Room
Don't miss out on this moving re-enactment, which only takes only a few minutes, but helps bring Dr. King to life.
Local organizations and groups are invited to submit MLK Day events and programs for posting on the City of Evanston's website. Information should be sent to communications@cityofevanston.org. Events will be posted as soon as they are submitted. All events are free unless otherwise noted.