January 15, 2013

Mayor Emanuel Joins Civil Rights Leaders in Remembering the Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Calls for Continuing Commitment to Education for Every Child

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

This morning, Mayor Emanuel attended the Push Excel 23rd Annual MLK Scholarship Celebration Chicago in remembrance of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life’s work and dedication in spearheading the Civil Rights Movement.  The Push Excel Scholarship Breakfast is held each year to honor the legacy of Dr. King and continue the promotion of educational opportunity for hundreds of students across Chicago and the country.

“We cannot remember Dr. King’s legacy only on his birthday. We must remember Dr. King by recommitting daily to his mission for equality,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We must continue to strive to fulfill Dr. King’s vision of equality by giving every child in every community a world class education.”

The City of Chicago will also help commemorate the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Mayor Rahm Emanuel hosting the 27th Annual Interfaith Breakfast on Friday, January 18, 2013. Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) will be keynote speaker.

Mayor Emanuel is proud to name Timuel D. Black, Jr.  as the inaugural recipient of the City of Chicago Champion of Freedom Award.  As an educator, political activist, community leader and oral historian, Black is widely recognized as one of the most influential civil rights leaders in Chicago history. 

The Push Excel 23rd Annual MLK Scholarship Celebration featured a panel discussion concerning Dr. King’s legacy with three members of Dr. King’s council, who reflected on the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and acknowledged his impact on American history. 

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Photo Caption: Mayor Rahm Emanuel commemorates the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at The Push Excel Scholarship Breakfast

Photo Credit: Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago