King’s message ‘still lives’

BOURBONNAIS — “Don’t back up. Don’t let up. Don’t shut up.”

Those statements were a significant part of the message Monday from the Rev. Carl Randle, who was the keynote speaker at the Interfaith Service that highlighted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ceremonies in Kankakee County.

The Rev. Randle was encouraging the congregation to keep working for Dr. King’s goals.

Dr. King’s dream, he said, “still lives.”

The Rev. Randle, a native of Kankakee, is the pastor of Fair Haven Church in Christ at 697 Hobbie Ave., Kankakee. He delivered his inspiring remarks at the College Church of the Nazarene on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University.

Randle said Dr. Martin Luther King had a life worth remembering. Rev. Randle drew the comparison between Dr. King and some of our presidents. Some of those officials, he said, are “only remembered because they are on our currency.”

Dr. King, he noted, did not draw his name in the sand. Instead, his name lives because Dr. King touched people’s hearts.

He noted, too, that sometimes in our society we too often remember criminals. We need to remember the man who led peaceful non-violent marches, and who was confronted with “guns, knives and bricks.”

The Rev. Randle’s remarks came after the annual Interfaith Celebration Prayer Breakfast at Olivet’s Chalfant Hall. More than 200 people attended and listened to prayers by several community leaders. The effort is designed to bring the community together while honoring the life and message of Dr. King.

COMMUNITY PRAYER

Olivet President Gregg Chenoweth welcomed the attendees to Olivet’s Chalfant Hall. He noted that Olivet is increasing its retention rate for black students. Bourbonnais Mayor Paul Schore, also welcoming the group, said their presence on such a frigid day, “said a lot about their dedication.”

Olivet Chaplain Rev. Antonio Marshall said Dr. King should be remembered “not on just this day, but each and every day.”

Illinois State Rep. Jackie Haas, R-Bourbonnais, who represents the 79{sup}th{/sup} House District, offered a prayer that the incoming president would “execute the laws with both justice and mercy.”

JoJo Sayson offered the prayer for veterans and the military. He called for all our soldiers and sailors to remember their code of honor, courage and commitment.

Dr. Nicole Smith, giving the prayer for education, called for teachers to be compassionate and for schools to be centers of equity and opportunity.

Father Nick Greanias, of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kankakee, welcomed the audience to view the new memorial garden, erected across the street from the church at 296 N. Washington, Kankakee. The memorial honors both the veterans from the church and the interfaith support between members of the faith and Dr. King.

Deric Wilkins offered the prayer for union members. Jenny Schoenwetter offered the prayer for women, saying they should feel safe and valued and treated with dignity and respect.

David Zinanni recognized the elected officials in the room and the Rev. Jess Gathing recognized all the clergy. The benediction was given by Pastor Anibal Vega, of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sun River Terrace.

Dr. Cynthia Taylor was the master of ceremonies for the prayer breakfast. The Rev. Lori Holmes was the emcee at the College Church.

Fred Houston and David Wills were the recipients of the Coretta Scott King Music awards. Houston is founder and CEO of F7 Productions. Wills has been involved with music ministry throughout Kankakee.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Part of the proceeds from the day goes to fund scholarships. Scholarship applications are due by Feb. 17. Students are encouraged to see their school counselor. In 2024 students from six high schools received scholarships.

Those winners were: Lunden Brown, BBCHS; Mackenzie Hespen, Manteno; Avery Halpin, Momence; and Kayla Scanlon, Herscher.

Kankakee High winners were: Millia Riley; Claire DeYoung; Bladimir Lopez; Abigail Haut; Ma’Nyia Calvin; James Bretzlaff; Nikkel Johnson; Adele Mau Bridges and Leana Davenport.

Bishop McNamara winners were: Nicholas Andrews; Evita Martinez; Cassandra Valtierra; Gianna Beaupre; Haley LaMore-Lopez and Trinity Haigh.{/div}

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