Every year on the third Monday of January, schools and businesses across the nation close to celebrate the life and dream of Martin Luther King Jr. It is the time when King is remembered for his fight for freedom, equality and justice through non-violent means.

NIU celebrates Dr. King’s life with King Memorial Commons, located between the Holmes Student Center and Founders Memorial Library. NIU’s governing body approved Martin Luther King Jr. Commons as its name on Dec. 8, 1983. In 1991, the sculpture “Balance of Equality” was created. The actual walkways and landscaping weren’t finished until 1992. A year later, sculptor Peter Fagan donated the Dr. King sculpture. It now sits on the north side of the MLK Commons.

Students use the MLK Commons as a place for relaxing. Its grassy area and free space serves not only as an area for events and activities, but also as an area for free speech.