More than 1,200 CPS high school and middle school students spent this past weekend honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Saturday, 500 students from across the city convened at Union Station in a Celebration of Service organized by Chicago Cares. Students heard a stirring keynote speech by Manuel Walker, one of the original "Freedom Writers". Walker talked about his struggles as a high school drop-out and how he has risen to become a multi-lingual PhD candidate in Chicago. Governor Pat Quinn, Senator Dick Durbin, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle also delivered thoughts about the meaning of Dr. King for our communities today.
Following the opening rallly, students and more than 2,000 adults in attendance fanned out across the city to serve at schools, community organizations, senior centers, and libraries.
On Monday, January 16, the National Day of Service, CPS high school students served across the city once again at senior centers, food pantries, shelters, the Illinois Council Against Hand Gun Violence, and the Peace Institute. Students lived out the legacy of Dr. King by working for causes he cared deeply about. While high school students served, middle school students came to Loyola University for a Day of Reflection and Inspiration. Student took part in six arts workshops and created presentations for their peers including murals, spoken word, hip hop, theatre, and drumming.
Once again, CPS students showed how much they care about their communities throughout the city.
