The informal group of volunteers and community leaders is now official, just in time to plan for Elgin’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in 2026.
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) hosts the annual MLK celebration, but an informal subcommittee does the planning. It’s been that way for decades.
Back in January, the HRC submitted a legal review to the city about the MLK committee and its funding, according to the commission’s minutes.
The corporation counsel released a legal review in April that revealed the subcommittee was never formally created. Afterward, the HRC decided to pause planning for the 2026 event “until the final determination about the future of the group is decided by the City Council,” according to the commission’s minutes.
In June, the HRC discussed the MLK commission status and “whether there should be funds in the budget set aside for them,” according to the minutes. No further information about that decision was available.
Danise Habun, a local activist and member of the subcommittee, called out the HRC for its action. Her comments at the Aug. 13 city council meeting ended up being her last address to the council. She passed away a few days later. A memorial is being planned this fall.
“I’m a proud member of the HRC-designated, illegitimate, and invalid Dr. King celebration committee,” Habun said.
She asked pointed questions about the city and HRC.
“Why does the city of Elgin, including the HRC, hate Black people?” Habun said. “I’m not being impertinent or disrespectful. I really want to know, and perhaps the public wants to know.”
Habun said the current HRC has no African American representation, even though African American residents have applied for open positions. “I understand shifting demographics. I also believe all means all,” she said.
Habun made the statements during the council’s public comment section. Typically, the council doesn’t respond to comments. City officials didn’t indicate whether an ordinance formalizing the subcommittee was being drafted.
The city council, however, unanimously approved an ordinance formally establishing the Martin Luther King subcommittee of the HRC at its Aug. 27 meeting. The ordinance outlines the number of people on the subcommittee, its duties, Open Meetings Act requirements, and how members will be appointed.
“It’s been a rough road these last few months,” Councilman Corey Dixon said to MLK subcommittee members who attended the meeting. “You have endured some unnecessary treatment and words toward the work you have been doing for years and years.”
Councilwoman Tish Powell thanked the volunteers on the subcommittee for their patience and continued work. She said the work behind the MLK celebration never stopped, and a rumor that it was being canceled was not true.
Elgin’s celebration includes a program honoring King’s life, a food donation drive, and a scholarship program. The event is held around MLK’s birthday celebration. No date has been released for the 2026 event.
The council also appointed three new members to the HRC. June Wooten, who is a member of the subcommittee, and Rory Jeanniton will serve a two-year term on the commission. Chloe Patel was appointed as a student member.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for the Elgin Courier-News.
