Community Corner

Oak Lawn Area Events Set to Remember Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Are you and your kids off from work and school on Monday? Martin Luther King Jr. Day events abound in the Oak Lawn area.

Advocate Christ Medical Center always presents a poignant community celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the medical center is outdoing itself with a presentation of The Mountaintop.

Written by Katori Hall and directed by Ron OJ Parson, this poetic drama is set in room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on the eve of Dr. King’s assassination on April 3, 1968.  Although not an historical account, the play offers an imaginary, but realistic, view of Dr. King as a man with strengths as well as human flaws.  The presentation is intended to put the viewer in the presence of an extraordinary leader and provide a “meditation on mortality, destiny and legacy.”

The program will also feature the music and singing of Chicago’s Providence - St. Mel School Chamber Choir, followed by a multicultural lunch buffet in the dining area just outside the auditorium.

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The public is invited to this free presentation. Advocate Christ’s annual Martin Luther King traditionally draws hundreds of participants from around the region. The program begins at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 20, in the medical center auditorium on Kilbourn Avenue, just south of 93rd Street, in Oak Lawn.


More Dr. King Day events, for Monday, Jan. 20:

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Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn


The Children’s Museum is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In honor of Dr. King, the Talk-Back station in the "We the People" exhibit will be a place where kids can tell about their dreams for America. Admission is $7 for children and adults; $6 for seniors; children under 12 months free. The museum is located at 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn. There is free parking available in the Metra Parking Garage behind the museum.


Fabulous Fish Prints (All Ages)


If you’re off on Monday, bring a bag, t-shirt or other item to decorate at the Oak Lawn Library’s drop-in fish program. Do you like fish, frogs and other swimming creatures? Create a unique piece of art using materials provided by the library. Activities take about 20 minutes to complete. 10 a.m. FREE. The library is located at 9427 S. Raymond Dr. in Oak Lawn.


Movie Screening: 42


The Oak Lawn Library will be screening the 2013 hit movie “42” with two showings at 2 and 6:30 p.m. “42” tells the life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. FREE. 9427 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn.


Forest Preserves of Cook County

Join the Forest Preserves for a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Dan Ryan Woods, 87th Street and Western Avenue, at the Pavilion. Participate

in restoration activities, learn about other ways to help the environment, and

enjoy refreshments and a bonfire. For more info call 708-771-1189.


MLK Day Drop-In Craft

Stop by the Palos Heights Library and make a Martin Luther King, Jr.-Day craft. All ages are welcome. 11 a.m. Free. The library is located at  12501 S. 71st Ave. Palos Heights.

What to read next:

'5 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Kids



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