Dueling Breakfasts Invoke Opposing Views of King’s Legacy

By Lauren Chooljian, Becky Vevea
Dueling Breakfasts Invoke Opposing Views of King’s Legacy
A protester marches outside the Hyatt hotel where Mayor Rahm Emanuel hosted the city’s annual MLK interfaith breakfast. He was one of a dozen or so protesters who came to block the entrance to the event. WBEZ/Lauren Chooljian
Dueling Breakfasts Invoke Opposing Views of King’s Legacy
A protester marches outside the Hyatt hotel where Mayor Rahm Emanuel hosted the city’s annual MLK interfaith breakfast. He was one of a dozen or so protesters who came to block the entrance to the event. WBEZ/Lauren Chooljian

Dueling Breakfasts Invoke Opposing Views of King’s Legacy

By Lauren Chooljian, Becky Vevea
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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel held an annual breakfast in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Friday, but the event was met protests from some black clergy.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union rebranded their annual King breakfast as more ‘people-centered’ alternative, invoking a more radical side of King’s legacy.

Both breakfasts acknowledged the recent turmoil in Chicago over high-profile police-involved shootings, including the deaths of black teenagers Laquan McDonald, 17, and Quintonio LeGrier, 19.

Becky Vevea covers education for WBEZ. Follow her at @wbezeducation. Lauren Chooljian covers Chicago politics for WBEZ. Follow her @laurenchooljian.