CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Champaign and Urbana and Park Districts will come together with the Urbana Rotary Club and other community organizations on April 4, the date of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, to model the late civil rights leader’s peaceful activism.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. March for Peace will begin at 5:30 p.m., at King Park honoring Dr. King and people will march to the Champaign Park District’s Douglass Park, highlighting Dr. King’s message of peace. The Urbana Free Library will have an exhibit from the Champaign County Historical Archives at the Douglass Annex for attendees to view. Park District and other designated officials from both Champaign and Urbana will make remarks at each site.
“Dr. King’s message of peaceful activism is just as important today as it was decades ago,” Urbana Park District Executive Director Rachel Lenz said. “The March for Peace is an opportunity for our community to come together, reflect, and walk forward with intention—reminding us that peace isn’t just something we hope for, but something we choose through our actions every day.”
“Champaign Park District respects the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and appreciates any opportunity to unite Champaign and Urbana in peace,” said Sarah Sandquist, Champaign Park District Executive Director. “I look forward to taking time to reflect on our community as we travel together from King Park to Douglass Park.”
The public is invited to this free community-building, family-friendly event. The Champaign Park District will provide transportation between King Park and the Douglass Park so marchers can return to their cars at the end of the evening. Attendees who choose not to march can park their car at Douglass and will be transported to King Park for opening remarks and back to Douglass for closing remarks, refreshments and the opportunity to view the exhibit provided by Urbana Free Library.