Chicago marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events dedicated to the iconic civil rights leader, among them, the DuSable Black History Museum hosted a day of service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 740 E 56th Place, inviting the community to donate winter items such as hats, gloves, and blankets to support those in need, per ABC7 Chicago. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition also held a reception themed "Building a Beloved Community," celebrating both MLK and Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., with entertainment from the Leo High School Boys' Choir.
While these events unfolded, residents were reminded of several closures across Illinois. All banks and U.S. post offices took a holiday pause, and public libraries breached their usual bustle, giving way to silence, as articulated by NBC Chicago. Though FedEx made its rounds, albeit with modified hours, UPS did not do pickup or delivery on the federal holiday, with many locations closed for the day.
Chicago Public Schools recognized the day on their calendar, closing doors to teachers and students alike, whilst the Illinois State Board of Education bestowed upon other districts the discretion to decide, some offering a day of learning through civic engagement as outlined by House Bill 5488. Statewide, trading floors at the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ echoed with uncharacteristic hush, resuming the following Tuesday, as reported by NBC Chicago.
Despite the closures, life in the metropolis pressed on, with retail giants like Target and Costco continuing their commerce, local restaurants keeping their kitchens active, and cultural havens like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Chicago Botanic Garden propping open their doors free of charge for Illinois residents wishing to imbibe the arts on this day of remembrance.
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