CHICAGO, IL — In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will open its doors for a free day of education, health services, and cultural reflection. Partnering with the South Side Help Center, WVON, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the event aims to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by fostering community awareness and connection.
Taking place on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the event will feature a range of activities, including complimentary admission to the museum, confidential HIV/AIDS testing, and a screening of the documentary Save the Children. The 1972 film highlights the performances of iconic artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and Roberta Flack while chronicling Rev. Jesse Jackson’s historic Black Expo.
Following the screening, attendees can engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Black Then vs. Black Now,” exploring the cultural and social evolution of the Black community.
“This event is about celebrating Dr. King’s message of equity, health, and progress while providing resources and education to the community,” said Vanessa Smith, Executive Director of the South Side Help Center.
The South Side Help Center, which has served Chicago’s South Side for more than 35 years, offers programs promoting health, education, and positive alternatives to violence. Since 2015, the organization has been an affiliate of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the largest global AIDS organization, furthering its capacity to serve the community.
Attendees will also have the chance to connect with community leaders, including Kendall Moore, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Mobilization at the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition, and WVON 1690AM’s live broadcast hosts.
For more information, visit www.southsidehelp.org or follow the South Side Help Center on Facebook, Twitter (@southsidehelp), and Instagram (@southsidehelp).