Join us for our 18th Annual DCU Event!

Monday, January 16, 2023
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Evanston Township High School Auditorium
1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201

Diverse Communities United (DCU) is Y.O.U.'s annual celebration of peace, diversity, unity, leadership, and service help in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year's theme is "It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems."

The youth-led multimedia event will feature performances and artwork by youth from 9 schools across Evanston and Skokie who seek to realize Dr. King's vision today.

The event is FREE, family-friendly, and open to all ages. Reserve your tickets on Eventbrite, and stay tuned to our socials for updates about how we are preparing for the big day!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Program 

Order of Events

Introduction and Welcome | Craig Lynch (CEO) & DCU Emcees

Youth Performances | Y.O.U. Program participants and leaders

• "Black Gold" Performed by Makedah Abraham
• Y.O.U. Peer Mentor Series | Chute Middle
• What is a "Beloved Community?" | Ja'nae Fuerte
• Be the Domino! | Oakton Elementary
• Uplifting Youth Voices | Old Orchard Junior High
• How do we Be Love? | Talayah Lemon
• Walker Dance Break | Walker Elementary
• It Starts with ETHS | ETHS
• Dr. King's Legacy & Education | Tania Margonza & Faleyah Scales
• It Starts with Me Skit | Nichols Middle
• Moribayassa Drumming | King Arts & Chute Middle

Finale | DCU Emcees & All Programs

Youth Gallery Walk and Exhibition | Student Gallery

Y.O.U.’s partners help bring the event to life.

We are grateful to Culture Shock, Ms. Weinman, and the Evanston Public Library for working with our youth on their DCU performances. A special thank you to George Folz for his design of this year's DCU tshirt.

We would also like to recognize Evanston Township High School for their generosity and use of their auditorium and staff to host the event itself. We also deeply appreciate School Districts 65, 68, and 202 for their programmatic partnership and use of space for youth to practice for the event.

Join Us After the Show...

We will also be showcasing a pop-up art gallery featuring pieces by our youth across several sites.

These artworks embody this year’s theme. We are so proud of the artistic expression from the many artists in Y.O.U. programs, so we hope you can spend a few minutes in the lobby and hallway taking it all in before exiting.

A big THANK YOU to all of our youth who worked so hard on their performances, artwork, and behind-the-scenes support!