In what has become an annual tradition to celebrate the life of our nation’s
renowned civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, CRSM students, faculty, staff,
and community members gathered Tuesday, Jan. 17, for a worship service.
“Education is freedom was a key message for Dr. King in his efforts to transcend
race, social status, gender and other inequities,” said Rev. Dean Edmonds, an AME
pastor and CRSM Dean of Students.

“Honoring Dr. King’s important work is an inspiration for us in moving us toward a
better world, a world where we are called to be change makers too,” said Jim Dippold,
Director of Campus Ministry. “Today we lift our voices and our hearts in prayer – in
thanksgiving for the prophetic life of Dr. King – and listen to the ways that God speaks in
our own hearts, calling us to continue the dream of building the beloved community, the
Kingdom of God, that Martin worked to build.

At Tuesday’s celebration, the CRSM community worshipped in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church,  (AME )tradition, led by Edmonds. He was joined by
members of the Black Student Union and guest pastor, Rev. Angelo Kyle, pastor of
St. Matthew Baptist Church in Waukegan and a commissioner for the Lake County
Forest Preserve, Rev. Tyrell Winfrey of the First Baptist Church of North Chicago
and Donna Dallas, soloist also with the First Baptist Church. The Black Student Union
offered prayers and played a video highlighting the life of George Floyd and other Black
persons who have lost their lives to violence.

“We are invited to manifest the Kingdom of God by following the inspiration of Martin
Luther King by being persons for others, breaking the silence of injustice and continuing
his work, which is not yet done,” said Preston Kendall, president of CRSM.