February is African American History Month. This important annual commemoration of civil liberties was officially recognized by the US government in 1976 during the Bicentennial celebration. The purpose of the month, according to then President Gerald Ford, is to urge Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Public MLK Day commemoration set for today
Members of Chicago’s Jewish and African-American communities will gather to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3622 W. Douglas Blvd.
The program will feature speakers on the theme “United in Hope, Standing for Justice,” including a keynote from Shari Runner, president of the Chicago Urban League, and an invocation from Rabbi Seth Limmer of Chicago Sinai Congregation.
The event is free and open to the public.