Aurora's MLK Weekend To Feature Music, Luncheon, More

AURORA, IL -- Aurora has a variety of events planned to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would have turned 90 Tuesday. King's life and legacy will be honored through musical performances, a prayer breakfast, and a luncheon. The events, which run Jan. 20 through Jan. 21 also include a day of service in which residents are encouraged to perform acts of service to the community in memory of King.

Jan. 20

18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon

St. John Methodist African Episcopal Church, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Toussiant Hill, Jr., of the Historical West Street Baptist Church of Atlanta will be the featured speaker at this year's luncheon, which will also recognize the annual winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Character Awards.

The Voices presents Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Main Baptist Church, 6:30 p.m.

Residents can dance and sing along to live music to celebrate King's life at this special concert. Featured performers include Pastor Robert Davis, Lisa Jones, Mars, Barbetta Neil, Pearl Newsom, and Opal Staples Smith.

Jan. 21

A Day of Service, A Day of Hope

East Aurora High School, 6 p.m.

East Aurora High School will host a special commemorative event led by keynote speaker Pastor Teddy Matthews, a motivational speaker and senior pastor at Empowerment Church in Melrose Park. Matthews, who attended Aurora University, will share a message about the significance of donating time and service to the community.

The presentation will also feature performances by students from high schools in and around Aurora and Illinois Math and Science Academy, with the help of Cathedral of Grace St. John Church's Sign Singers.

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