Keynote Speaker and Award Recipients Announced
The MLK Countywide Committee and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy for Justice Committee are pleased to announce the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration will be held on January 16, 2022, at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana). Doors open at 4:00 p.m., the Community Choir begins at 4:30 p.m., and the program begins at 5:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (krannertcenter.com/events/covid-19-safety-protocols).
This year’s featured keynote speaker is Derek Barber King, Sr., a nephew of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
During the ceremony, three community members will be honored with prestigious awards in recognition of their work to uphold the principles and ideals of Dr. King, including:
- Janice Walker – Recipient of the Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award
- Courage Connection – Recipient of the James R. Burgess, Jr. – Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award
- James TYGAR Corbin – Recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award
The public is also invited to attend the Unity Breakfast on January 17, 2022, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Vineyard Church of Central Illinois (1500 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana). This event is also free and open to the public.
The MLK Countywide Committee and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy for Justice Committee looks forward to continuing to recognize the achievements of area youth and the commitment of community members, while also honoring the significant contributions to civil and human rights practiced by Dr. King. The MLK Countywide Committee is comprised of the City of Champaign, City of Urbana, Parkland College, University of Illinois, Champaign County, and the Village of Rantoul.