Staff Report

Rockford’s 2012 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been expanded to include a series of community events. Organizers recently announced the addition of a Diversity Business Luncheon and a College Fair, in addition to the traditional daytime program and evening celebration.

“Rockford will join other cities across the country as we shine a spotlight on diversity and giving back to our community,” said Pastor Herbert Johnson, an organizer of the event. “The theme for the year is Building Bridges, Empowering Individuals and Strengthening Communities. We feel it is not only fitting for this community but for communities all across the country as we work towards a brighter future.”

Rockford’s city-wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will consist of a number of activities through community partnerships with local organizations. (Editor’s note: See the Vibe Entertainment calendars for a full listing of area King Day events.) The schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Jan. 12

Diversity Business Luncheon — 11:30 a.m., Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd.: Keynote speaker is Andrea Zopp, president of The Chicago Urban League. Introductions will be made by Kris Kieper, president and CEO, Rockford YWCA, and Einar Forsman, president, Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Advance registration is required online at www.rockfordkingday.com ^[1] or by calling (815) 218-3661. Cost is $35 per person.

Thursday-Friday, Jan. 12-13

Live Your Dream College Fair — 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd.: High school students and their parents are invited to explore college and career opportunities. Representatives from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be available to assist parents and students with questions, tips for selecting the right college and financial resources. Admission is free. Vendor registration can be made by calling (815) 978-2385 or visiting www.rockfordkingday.com ^[1].

Sunday, Jan. 15

An Evening of Remembrance — 6 p.m., at St. Paul Church, 1001 Wigton Ave.: Admission is free.

Monday, Jan. 16

A Day of Celebration — 11 a.m., at West Middle School, 1900 Rockton Ave.: Speakers include Dr. Robert Head, president of Rockford College; Jeremy DeWeerdt, lead pastor of Rockford First; and Gloria Cudia, community activist. Performances by high school and community choirs will also be included. Admission is free.

MLK Monday at Discovery Center — 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St.: Kids can participate in a special project in the art studio, where they can make their own Martin Luther King Dream Viewer. Museum admission is $7 for children and adults, and children 1 and younger are admitted free.

The 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is organized by the Rockford Ministers’ Fellowship and the Freedom West Foundation. Proceeds will be used to fund college scholarships for local youth.

For more information, visit www.rockfordkingday.com ^[1].

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue