CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands across the Chicago area came together for the 36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The DuSable Museum of African American History is holding its annual tribute to the Rev. Dr. King.
Some of the events on the schedule include arts and crafts for children and a performance of the show "A King's Journey."
The day-long celebration runs until 5 p.m.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition held its annual MLK Breakfast, with nearly 1,000 attendees.
The breakfast celebrates King's legacy alongside the work of Rainbow PUSH founder the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
It also meant reassuring hope is still alive for communities as they continue to push for justice.
This year's theme was the Journey of Hope and Healing.
Attendees sang, prayed and celebrated as one.
"Come what may, our only way forward is together," Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said. "As a unified force with push for excellence and reaffirm our belief that love, love for our children and love for our communities will propel us to a more just future for all."
The keynote was delivered by civil rights leader and environmentalist Ben Jealous of the Sierra Club.
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The event celebrated community and the next generation.
The mission of equality forged by MLK, one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement, was seen throughout the day, as city and faith leaders alike prepared for a new era. Donald Trump was also sworn in as president.
"We have heard a lot of consternation, a lot of anxiety, a lot of worry about what's to happen after today," Urban League President Karen Freeman said.
"We are gathered here today, not as passive recipients of history, but as active participants in the ongoing work of liberation," the Rev. Tanya Lozano Washington said.
That includes honoring the ongoing work of Jesse Jackson, the first African American to run for president.
The program featured a speaking competition by Chicago's youth.
They and others in the room were reminded that the hope molded by King lives on.
"Everyone say it with me: Keep hope alive," orator Bradley Holt said.
DuPage County hosted its "I Have A Dream" Unity breakfast.
More than 1,400 people were expected at the sold out event at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
The keynote speaker was Fred Gray, who received the 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
Gray is a civil rights attorney who represented Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others who took part in the Montgomery bus boycott.
He also played a role in desegregating schools in Alabama.
The Chicago Park District has special programming at certain locations. Most outdoor ice rinks are open.
The Black Creativity Program starts Monday at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. It's the longest-running exhibition of African American art in the U.S.
The Chicago History Museum will host a family-focused celebration of King's ongoing influence.