The Springfi eld & Central Illinois African American History Museum (1440 Monument Ave. in Springfi eld) will host the opening of a new exhibit honoring the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Thursday, Jan. 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit was developed in collaboration with the Illinois State Museum to honor King’s legacy and contribution to the civil rights movement. Featured speaker Dr. Paul Hudson, a professor in the business and technologies department at Lincoln Land Community College, will give a presentation at 6 p.m. The exhibit and program are free but donations are encouraged. For more information visit www.spiaahm.org or call 391-6323.