Providence St. Mel Students in Class to Observe MLK Birthday

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 17, 2011 2:30PM

While most government agencies, businesses and schools are closed today in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, one local school is actually observing Dr. King's birthday by holding an entire day of classes dedicated to him. Providence St. Mel High School has kept up this tradition since King's birthday became recognized as a federal holiday.

Tribune columnist Dawn Turner Trice spoke with school founder and president Paul J. Adams III:

"Dr. King was an educator," said Adams, who will address an assembly of parents, faculty and students on Monday. "I find it the most ridiculous thing in the world that schools are closed to commemorate his birthday. To me, it's disrespectful, especially in the black community, when our children are behind."

Adams walks the walk. He met with king numerous times while King was alive, and he offers students and parents personal anecdotes about King's works. Adams himself has sent 100 percent of his students to college, telling Trice, "If you're not interested in going to college, you shouldn't be at Providence St. Mel."

70 percent of Providence St. Mel's students come from within a three-mile radius of the West side school.