The Black Leaders Union held the annual Martin Luther King Jr. assembly on Jan. 18 in the Oak Park and River Forest High School auditorium to connect MLK and his legacy back to history in Oak Park. 

“Remember that knowing our community’s history is impossible without recognizing the importance of the people who shaped it,” said BLU president Riley Bazillion.

Speeches, trivia questions and music were used throughout the assembly to tell stories of the rich history of African-American culture deeply rooted in Oak Park’s past. True Colors, a singing group, performed the songs “Lift Every Voice” and “Sing” in the beginning of the assembly, followed by speeches by principal Lynda Parker and other members of BLU. 

The assembly also honored Oak Park and River Forest High School teacher and BLU sponsor for 16 years, Leandrew Wade, who plans on retiring after the end of the school year.

BLU continues to represent the black community, giving students an opportunity to be vocal and a platform for their voice to be heard.