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Clayton Muhammad
Waubonsee Community College invites students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community members to an in-person tribute, “RISE as One: A Community Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” The evening of reflection and unity will feature keynote speaker Clayton Muhammad and take place on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. on the college’s Sugar Grove Campus in the Academic and Professional Center. The event is free and open to the public.
An award-winning public relations professional, Muhammad has been affectionately dubbed “The Voice of Aurora.” His deep roots in the city, where he was born and raised, are evident in his decade-long service as spokesperson and his role as host/emcee at more than 1,000 events over the past 25 years. For 15 years, Muhammad served as the host of Aurora's MLK Ceremony, of which the last five years, he also assumed the role of MLK event organizer, culminating in 2025 with the 40th Annual Aurora MLK Ceremony. He is a proud member of Dr. King's fraternity, Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. As a former educator, Clayton Muhammad's leadership was instrumental in his decade-long tenure as the spokesman of East Aurora School District 131. His efforts led to the successful passage of a $32 million referendum.
Waubonsee's MLK Community Tribute will include performances by the Waubonsee Chorale and the Waubonsee Jazz Band. Attendees will have the chance to honor Dr. King’s legacy through a blend of music and shared reflection. Refreshments featuring Soul Food will be available. For event details, visit calendar.waubonsee.edu/MLK.
As the community’s college, Waubonsee is proud to recognize the area’s rising stars through the RISE to the Dream Award. Teachers and community leaders are invited to nominate K through 12 students who embody the spirit of Dr. King by demonstrating integrity, compassion, and a commitment to service. This award honors students who show the courage to address injustices and a dedication to building unity among their peers. For more information or to nominate a deserving student, visit waubonsee.edu/nominateMLK. Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 16.
Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. Day by visiting Waubonsee’s library guide, available at https://guides.library.waubonsee.edu/mlk.
