BLOOMINGTON - The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a nationally recognized Chicago community and civil rights activist, is a fitting choice to lead an annual Twin City event honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., because Pfleger has followed in King's footsteps, said one of the event's organizers.

"He looks at the issues of his community as part of his ministry. He's trying to make a difference, every day in his community," said Carl Teichman, Illinois Wesleyan University government and community relations director.

IWU and the United Community Gospel Singers of Bloomington-Normal co-sponsor the annual two-day event - at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 Pfleger will lead the 18th annual Fellowship Dinner, and starting at 3 p.m. Jan. 20, the campus and nonprofit group host a full day of gospel music.

Pfleger, a Catholic priest, has served nearly 30 years as pastor of St. Sabina's Catholic Church on Chicago's south side. With his 1981 appointment, Pfleger, then 31, became the youngest pastor in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

In 2003, he addressed the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga.

Since 1981, Pfleger's gained recognition and found himself in headlines as he's fought racism, drug and alcohol abuse, and violence.

In July, the priest and the Rev. Jesse Jackson helped organize Chicago's largest-ever gun turn-in program, which the Associated Press reported netted more than 6,700 weapons in one weekend.

Pfleger is founder of the Employment Resource Center, St. Sabina Social Service Center, Thea Bowman Spiritual Advance Center, Samaritan House for the homeless and St. Sabina's 80-unit Elders Village.

He's been featured in numerous publications, including Newsweek, The New York Times, and Time. TV coverage includes segments on "60 Minutes," and "The Larry King Show."

Recognitions include: the Keeper of the Dream award from the Rainbow/PUSH coalition; a distinguished service award from the Nation of Islam; the Thurgood Marshall Award from the National Black Prosecutors Association; the Monsignor Egan Social Justice Award from DePaul University; and the Rosa Parks Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Festival founder admired Pfleger

Organizers have tried several years to bring Pfleger to the Twin Cities, said Teichman. The Bloomington event's founder, Corine Sims, died in 2007, but she'd long wanted the priest to be a keynote speaker.

"She really admired Father Pfleger because of his community activism. I think she also saw a parallel in what Father Pfleger is trying to do in his community to what she was trying to do here, really follow Dr. King's message and bring everyone together," said Teichman.

Corine Sims' husband, the Rev. James Sims, has replaced his wife as director of the gospel singers group.

"It is going to be an emotional time for all of us, in terms of her not being present," said Teichman. "She was someone who believed in Kings' words, not just that one day, but every day his life and work," he said.

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Go!

What: 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship Dinner, featuring the Rev. Michael Pfleger, Chicago community rights activist; and the National Holiday Gospel Festival.

When: Dinner is 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at the main lounge of Illinois Wesleyan University's Memorial Center, 104 University St., Bloomington. Gospel festival is 3-9 p.m. Jan. 20 at Westbrook Auditorium at IWU's Presser Hall.

Admission: For the dinner, cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children. Dinner tickets can be purchased at Hansen Student Center, IWU Bookstore, by calling (309) 556-3059; or through the Rev. James Sims at (309) 828-4602. There is no charge to attend the gospel festival.

Sponsors: Both events are co-sponsored by IWU and the United Community Gospel Singers of Bloomington and Normal.

Special needs: Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids, services or other arrangements for either event should call (309) 556-3429.