MLK celebration set for Sunday Clinton Community College

Apr. 8—On Sunday, the community-wide annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. at Clinton Community College. The general public is invited to attend this free event.

This year marks the 36thyear of the celebration, which generally is held in January, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

"If you've never joined us for an MLK, Jr. Celebration event, we encourage you to come out to see what the event is all about and join us in celebrating the life of Dr. King," MLK committee member Mardell Mommsen Flippen said.

The keynote speaker will be Chris Britton, of Rock Island. He holds a bachelor's degree in youth ministry and adolescent studies and a masters in leadership in ministry from Judson University. He served more than 15 years as a director at YouthHope, where he developed a creative arts program called M.A.D. Skills that engaged students in creative arts. His poetry program gave students opportunities to tour colleges, perform in competitions, and put on shows for their community. He now works at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center as the digital media and creative expressions instructor.

Reginald Russell will emcee this year's event.

The 21st Annual MLK Peace and Justice Award will be presented to Ted Tornow.

Frances (Francie) Bickelhaupt Hill will be honored posthumously as a Legacy Peace and Justice honoree.

Music will be provided by the Second Baptist Church Men's Choir.

Peace Blessings will be offered by Dr. Lisa Killinger and Pat Everly. This year's celebration will be followed with a re-enactment of a freedom walk throughout the halls of Clinton Community College.

"Together we can make a difference 'Living Peace 365' and keeping Dr. King's dream alive," Mommsen Flippen said.

For more information on the MLK Committee or Living Peace 365 initiative, please contact Mardell Mommsen Flippen at 563-244-7006.