THE 4TH ANNUAL MLK CELEBRATION TO HONOR AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO HAVE BEEN CREDITED WITH THE UPWARD MOBILITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY


 

OVER 700 TO GATHER FOR COOK COUNTY’S LARGEST

 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

 

4TH ANNUAL MLK CELEBRATION TO HONOR AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO HAVE BEEN CREDITED WITH THE UPWARD MOBILITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS, BUSINESS LEADERS, CLERGY AND CIVIC LEADERS TO OFFER

 REFLECTIONS OF DR. KING AND HIS PASSION FOR PEOPLE

 

CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY, PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE, COOK COUNTY CLERK MONICA GORDON

, AND MWRD PRESIDENT KARI STEELE TO HEADLINE AN A-LIST GROUP OF ATTENDEES

 

Monday, January 20th, 2025@ 11:00 AM

Tinley Park Convention Center, Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, Illinois

 

 

(Matteson, Illinois)-Pastor Andrew Singleton-Senior Pastor of the Victory Apostolic Church- along with the Victory Community Coalition Executive Director Minister Bryant Warren- will be joined by over 700 elected officials, clergy leaders, business leaders and residents in honoring ten African American giants as part of the 4TH Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Luncheon and Awards Celebration.


This year's theme is "Standing up for Justice and Truth." The MLK Awards Luncheon is the largest event of its kind in the State of Illinois.


Amongst this year’s honorees include:


Debbie Meyers-Martin----Illinois State Representative of the 38th District

Mike Hastings- Illinois State Senator of the 19th District of Illinois

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc

Meals in the Meantime

Purple Hose and Healing Foundation, Inc



“Democracy is at a perilous moment, but Dr. King left us an unforgettable path of love and inclusion. As a community we know all too well of the sacrifices and challenges that many of our pioneers had to endure. But their efforts were only geared toward enhancing the quality of life of African Americans throughout this nation. The Victory Community Coalition takes significant pride in ensuring that we also honor modern day heroes during this very historic week for Dr. King.” says Victory Community Coalition Executive Director, Minister Bryant Warren.


Pastor Singleton adds, “Many have asked the question, Where do we go from here? The answer is to move forward in unity by choosing democracy over autocracy, a beloved community over chaos, and to be unafraid through our collective faith. That's exactly what this year's MLK honorees have successfully exhibited by blazing the trail for so many people who seek to enhance the upward mobility of the African American experience. We all are in debt to each of them for their undying love, compassion, and commitment to the enormous progress of our community.”


The afternoon will feature multiple tributes, laughter, reflection, and an appreciation of the many accomplishments of Dr. King. The honorees will address the mass crowd by showing their appreciation, but also charging the hundreds in attendance that there is much work to do to fulfill the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


Pastor Singleton and Minister Warren will also challenge those in attendance to focus their efforts on promoting diversity and inclusion in all their professional and personal endeavors.


Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin adds, “It is simply amazing to have the most prominent African American leaders in one facility and hear their unified message of racial harmony, fairness, and justice. The Southland is now the mecca of opportunity for young aspiring African American businesspersons and government leaders. Diversity has brought us this far, but greater diversity will lead us to the mountain of acceptance and equality. I am grateful to be one of the honorees.”


“To be listed with such a distinguished group of honorees is so humbling. As a caucasian male, I am grateful, honored, and blessed to have personally benefited from the many relationships, advances, and key points of progress of the Civil Rights movement. Of all the awards and accolades in which I have been blessed to receive, this particular honor is most special given it bears Dr. King’s great name.”says Illinois State Senator Mike Hastings.

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