On Sunday, January 19, 2025, the community came together to commemorate the annual Countywide Celebration honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The two-hour event celebrated several remarkable individuals, including students who received scholarships, Pastor E. Shelby for his 40 years of service in organizing and planning the event, and Chancellor Robert J. Jones, recognized as the longest-tenured Chancellor in the history of the University of Illinois.
During the celebration, Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist with the Equity and Engagement Department had the honor of recognizing three outstanding community members who have made significant contributions to preserving and advancing the life and legacy of Dr. King:
Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award – Donna Tanner-Harold
James R. Burgess – Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award – Tracy Dace
Martin Luther King Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award – Terry Townsend
Special thanks to several City Council members and staff from the City Manager’s Office, Police Department, and Public Works for their invaluable support at the event and for their contributions in honoring the legacy of Dr. King.
Following the celebration, a Unity Breakfast was held at Vineyard Church. This event honored the dedicated efforts of the Scholarship and Advocacy for Justice Committees for their work in coordinating the events. It also provided another opportunity to celebrate the scholarship recipients and acknowledge the support of their families.