CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago’s King Day observance went virtual, like several others, and featured pre-recorded segments from the Bronzeville neighborhood.
Vocalist Meagan McNeal performed the so-called "Black National Anthem" early on in an observance that featured a keynote address from Walgreens Boots CEO Rosalind Brewer and remarks from Mayor Lightfoot, suggesting Dr. Martin Luther King’s message carries more resonance today after the almost biblical trials of the last two years.
"Dr. King often cited the Old Testament and putting into context the struggle of African Americans to shake off the yolk of Jim Crow and demand our full rights of citizenship. It certainly feels like history is repeating itself," Lightfoot said.
One difference today, she said, is that we have more resources to solve those problems, if we have the will.
Another large online celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day was for the City Year Chicago program, that annually carries out a "Day of Service" on this holiday.
The annual City Year MLK observance was virtual, but young people from Americorps were headed to service projects at more than 30 schools across Chicago.
City Year Executive Director Myetie Hamilton said it’s part of a long tradition.
"City Year Chicago has hosted our MLK Day of Service for the past 28 years. It's our tradition of making it a day on, rather than a day off to preserve the living legacy of Dr. King," Hamilton said
Among the dignitaries cheering on the young people and their work was Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who spoke as a former CPS student from Cabrini Green about the urgent needs.
"We cannot relent at this time, that we must, with every fiber of our being, live to the promise that Dr. King spoke of," Foxx said.
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