American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored at a special event next Thursday at the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus Main Complex Theater.

The featured speakers will include SWIC student Pacia Anderson, SWIC Success Specialist Dale Zink and AmeriCorps Field Coordinator Earnestine Gilbert. All three will share stories and experiences that reflect on King's life and legacy.

Other activities at the event include musical performances by retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Bob Ellison, a chant by the Central Elementary fourth grade class, a video highlighting the 50th anniversary of the "I have a dream" speech and the presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Building Bridges awards.

The program starts at 11 a.m. Jan. 24. It is free and open to the public.

The Belleville campus is located at 2500 Carlyle Avenue.