West Cook News

The Town of Cicero commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on January 22, 2025, with an event that gathered community members, town officials, and students from Cicero School District 99 and District 201. The program aimed to honor Dr. King's legacy and reflect on his message of equality, justice, and unity.

Dr. Anthony Grazzini from Cicero School District 99 welcomed attendees, expressing enthusiasm for the day's agenda which included speeches by Patti Salerno, Cicero's Director of Special Events, and Town Chaplain Ismael Vargas among others.

Patti Salerno highlighted the significance of community participation in such events: “As usual, we have these monthly events, and we thank the schools for coming out and participating. These are just great town events that continue the history and culture of events throughout our community.” She acknowledged support from the local fire and police departments.

Dr. Grazzini also appreciated the leadership of Town President Larry Dominick: “There’s nothing better than to learn about our history and our place in it as citizens of this great state, this great country, and this great community of Cicero.”

Pastor Dominick Foster shared personal stories emphasizing education's importance through his motto "learn in order to earn." He engaged students with humor and storytelling: “When you learn, you earn,” encouraging curiosity among them.

Pastor Foster recounted meeting Dr. King in 1967: “Dr. King’s presence was transformative,” he said. The program included presentations from District 99 students who spoke about equality and justice themes.

Speakers reflected on Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech as a guide for transformation both personally and societally. They urged attendees to consider how Dr. King's messages apply today.

One speaker discussed time's dual nature as friend or foe using vivid analogies while acknowledging Cicero's racial tension history but also its progress toward embracing change.

The session was not only historical reflection but a call to action: “We are all ministers of reconciliation,” one speaker said. They stressed love's necessity for healing divisions declaring: “There’s only one race—the human race.”

A personal story linked Dr. King's assassination with traumatic childhood memories underscoring hatred's wounds' need for healing: “Trauma is a trap life puts us in...we need help.”

The event concluded with calls for individual dreams’ pursuit alongside gratitude expressed towards participants including town officials ensuring it affirmed both tribute to Dr.King & commitment towards ideals inspiring future actions through education unity service within community.