As St. Louis prepares to celebrate the life and legacy of Civil Rights icon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the national holiday named in his honor, there are literally dozens of opportunities to pay tribute through participation in programming and activities.
Listed below is a comprehensive list of events that are taking place throughout the weekend, Monday and beyond.
Jan. 15, 16 and 18, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Movie Screening, Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd. For more information, call (314) 389-5194.
Jan. 15 – Jan. 17, University City School District 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration. Amy Hunter, Director of Racial Justice for the YWCA of St. Louis, has been selected by the Board of Education for The School District of University City to receive the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Spirit Award. The award will be presented at 1 p.m. on January 17
at University City High School. For more information on the weekend of activities celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., please visit www.ucityschools.org
Fri., Jan. 15, 5 p.m., Throwing and Growing Foundation 3rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program with guest speakers Students 4 Change, The Youth and Family Center, 818 Cass Ave. For more information, call (314) 650-1008 or email throwingandgrowing@gmail.com.
Fri., Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum presents Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration. Join us for this free annual event commemorating the legacy of Dr. King through spoken-word and musical performances. This year’s theme is ‘A Time to Speak, A Time to Act: A Salute to Julian Bond’. We will celebrate the life of Mr. Bond, one of the most vocal and enduring voices of the Civil Rights Movement who helped start the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and served as chairman of the NAACP. East St. Louis Poet Laureate Eugene B. Redmond, will serve as the night’s keynote speaker. The evening will also feature the photography of Moneta Sleet, Jr., music from the Shalom Church Next Generation Choir, and a message from Marcus Creighton, former president of Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.
Sat., Jan. 16, 8:30 a.m., Dr. MLK Jr. Workshop and Worship, John Knox Presbyterian Church, 13200 New Halls Ferry Rd. For more information, call (314) 772-2395 or email c.corley@glpby.org.
Sat., Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Missouri History Museum presents MLK Family Celebration. Before the official Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, bring your family to the Museum to learn about and celebrate the achievements of this American hero. The first 200 kids to arrive at the Museum will receive an MLK storybook to take home. Enjoy free light refreshments. Events include Hooray for MLK Storytelling – hear stories about inclusion, diversity, and the good that Martin Luther King Jr. brought to the world; Mama Lisa presents King Family Kids – revisit life in Atlanta during the 1960s from a kid’s point of view; and peace-inspired art projects. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.
Sat., Jan. 16, 11 a.m., St. Louis Public Library presents the Sixth Annual Rhythm & Rhyme: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote speaker and author Nikita Lynnette Nichols will discuss her creative writing process and read from her latest book, “The Ugly Side of Me.” Neighborhood “Rhyme Man” Stanley Pitchford and other local performers will read, sing, and recite poetry – and forever use their time creatively. Baden Branch, 8448 Church Rd., 63147. For more information, call (314) 388-2400 or visit www.slpl.org.
Sat., Jan. 16, 1 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents Central Cinema: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. We will be screening King: A Filmed Record Part 1 (1970). Originally shown only one night in 600 theaters across America in 1970, this documentary, which consists entirely of newsreel and primary footage, was recently made available to the public for the first time. This film has been placed on the National Film Registry for its historical significance and has been called one of the most important documentaries in American history. St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 241-2288 or visit www.slpl.org.
Sat., Jan. 16, 7 p.m., UR2BFree hosts the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner. His testimony, vision, and sacrifice were motivated by his Christian principles. We invite you to celebrate his birthday, and become energized getting to work bringing Godly standards for our community and ourselves.
Celebrate the true freedom, happiness, and prosperity that his faith-based ministry promised 50 years ago. Drury Inn and Suites, 11980 Olive Blvd., 63141. For more information, visit www.ur2bfree.com.
Sun., Jan. 17, 10 a.m., St. Paul AME Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Worship Service featuring Pastor Spencer Lamar Booker, Lady Gail, Scooter, Nicholas, the event will also serve as a celebration and the Life of Marvin Louis Booker, the brother of Pastor Booker. The filming will take place on Sunday, January 17, 2016, during the 10:00 a.m. services. Mr. Wade Gardner, Documentary Film Director, from Denver, Colorado, will be filming. St. Paul A.M.E. Church. 1260 Hamilton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.
Sun., Jan. 17, 11 a.m., The Dream, Like The Promise of God, is for All of Us, Compton Hill M.B. Church, 3141 LaSalle St. For more information, call (314) 239-5786.
Sun., Jan. 17, 3 p.m., Skinker-DeBaliviere Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, New Cote Brilliante Church of God, 6195 Washington Ave. For more information, call (314) 862-5122 or email Karen.kelsey@skinker-debaliviere.com.
Sun., Jan. 17, 3 p.m., St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley will host its annual celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The theme is “Engaging & Energizing our community: Keep moving forward.” Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, associate dean for contextual education and assistant professor of Christian education at Eden Theological Seminary, will serve as the keynote speaker. Terry M. Fischer Theater, St. Louis Community College- Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road. Special accommodations are available for persons with disabilities by calling 314-513-4551.
Sun., Jan. 17, 4 p.m., Hazelwood Community Enrichment Commission presents the 14th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., KMOV-TV morning anchor Andre Hepkins will deliver the keynote address, Hazelwood Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Rd. For more information, call (314) 731-0980 or e-mail pfreynolds@hazelwoodmo.gov.
Mon., Jan. 18, 9 a.m., Let Freedom Ring: A Daylong Community Reading of Dr. King’s Speeches, Sermons and Writings. This will be our sixth annual daylong community reading of Dr. King’s writings and speeches – from the very pulpit where he preached in 1963 – so his own words can re-enter our consciousness and continue to form us today. You can come and just listen or take part in the reading – at any time you can come to the front, approach whomever is reading and indicate you wish to take over. There will be someone ready to take over for you when you wish to stop. Come for a few minutes or a few hours. Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.
Mon., Jan. 18, 9 a.m., City of St. Louis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Ceremony, This year’s theme is “The Dream is Ours” Pre-celebration will begin at 9 a.m. at The Old Courthouse Rotunda ( 4th and Market) with civic ceremony kicking off at 10 a.m. The March of Celebration will begin downtown outside the Old Courthouse Rotunda and continue to Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church (3200 Washington), where the interfaith ceremony will be held. The event is sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee.
Mon., Jan. 18, 10 a.m., The University of Missouri St. Louis presents Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance 2016. This event will feature engaging speakers, as well as talented musicians and performers. A program for children ages 5 to 11 will run concurrently in the lobby. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.
Mon., Jan. 18, 10 a.m., Harris-Stowe State University MLK Day of Service, Harris-Stowe State University, Harris-Stowe will hold a Day of Service Community Partnership Project with the Boys and Girls Club, Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave.
Mon., Jan. 18 11 a.m., MLK Unity Walk, Rev. B.T. Rice will provide keynote address. Wentzville City Hall, Wentzville Mo. For more information, call (636) 957-2998.
Mon., Jan. 18, 1 p.m., Celebrate and Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Musical Celebration, Kirkwood High School Keating Auditorium, 801 W. Essex Ave. For more information, visit www.meachumparknia.org.
Mon., Jan. 18, 3 p.m., St. Louis Crisis Nursery presents Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Show: Ferguson Children’s Art. In celebration of Dr. King’s life, we will be displaying children’s artwork. Special guest at the event will be local author, Rosalyn Madden. 1928 Gravois Ave., 63049. For more information, call (314) 292-5770.
Mon. Jan. 18, 4 p.m., Washington University School of Medicine Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Lecture, Sherman James, Ph.D., Research Professor of Epidemiology and African American Studies at Emory University will deliver the lecture. Eric P. Newman Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 320 S. Euclid. For more information, contact the Office of Diversity Programs at (314) 362-6854 or e-mail medschooldiversity@wusm.wustl.edu.
Mon., Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m., The Coalition of Black Trade Unionist is sponsoring the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Awards Banquet, Awards will be presented to Tishaura Jones, City of St. Louis Treasurer; Better Family Life, Better Family Life and Missouri SEIU State Council, The voice of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) members across the state of Missouri. The keynote speaker is Claude Cummings, International Vice President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the CBTU International Executive Council Member. Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Union Hall, 2319 Chouteau Ave. For more information about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award, contact the St. Louis Metro Chapter of the CBTU: Jay Ozier CBTU-StL, Vice President, 314-435-1752, jayozier@sbcglobal.net
Mon., Jan. 18, 7 p.m., 11th Anniversary MLK Celebration, Wentzville High School Holt Auditorium. For more information, call (636) 357-2998.
Mon., Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Washington University’s 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Commemoration, Jason Q. Purnell, Assistant Professor of The George Warren Brown School of Social Work will provide the keynote address. Other guests will include the 2016 Rosa L. Parks Awardee Sylvester Brown Jr, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, Provost Holden Thorp, the Orchestrating Diversity Youth Orchestra, Black Anthology and others. Graham Chapel, Washington University Danforth Campus, One Brookings Drive. For more information, call (314) 935-5059.
Wed., Jan. 20, 8 a.m., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville will host “Black Lives Matter – Inside the Movement” in the Morris University Center Conference Center. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Registration is requested and is available by visiting www.siue.edu/blm2016. The annual MLK Luncheon follows at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Tracy Blackmon of Florissant is the featured speaker. Separate registration is required, and the cost is $25. To register for the luncheon, call 618-650-3210.
Thurs., Jan. 21, 11:30 a.m., MLK Celebration Civil Rights Letters & Speeches Remembered, Mildred E. Bastian Theatre, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave. For more information, call (314) 644-9101.
Fri., Jan. 22, 10 a.m., Black History Quiz, White Castle System, 11120 New Halls Ferry Rd. For more information, call (314) 562-2916.
Sat., Jan. 23, 1 p.m., Central Cinema: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. presents King: A Filmed Record Pt. 2, St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive St. For more information, call (314) 241-2288.
Sun., Jan. 24, 3 p.m., St. Alphonsus “Rock” Church Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest and Church Celebration, 1118 N. Grand Blvd. For more information call (314) 382-9545.
Sat., Jan. 30, 1 p.m., MLK: A Call to Conscience, St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive St. For more information, call (314) 241-2288.
Sat., Jan. 30, 3 p.m., Afro World presents A Black History Gospel Celebration, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd. For More information, call (314) 389-5194.
February 1, 6 p.m., Pilot Pruitt and Soaring with other Sumner Alums, Come learn more about some of the high-flying alumni of Sumner High School – Wendell O. Pruitt of the Tuskegee Airmen, Roscoe Robinson Jr. of the U.S. Army an Edward Bouchet, Ph.D., Craft model airplanes, learn about the physics of a good paper airplane and discover more about these famous St. Louis men. St. Louis Public Library – Carpenter Branch 3309 S. Grand Blvd. For more information, call (314) 771-5450.
Feb. 1-Feb. 28, African American Inventions Exhibit, St. Louis County Library – Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Drive. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Mon., Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m., Discovery Club: African American Scientists and Inventors, St. Louis County Library – Indian Trails Branch, 8400 Delport Dr. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Tues., Feb. 2, 1 p.m. Central Cinema presents Black History Month with a screening of Freedom Riders, Auditorium, St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive St. For more information, call (314) 771-5450.
Tues., Feb. 2, 4:30 p.m., Art and Soul, St. Louis County Library – Eureka Hills Branch, 156 Eureka Towne Center. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Tues., Feb. 2, 7 p.m. African Percussion, St. Louis County Library – Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Drive. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Wed., Feb. 3, 4 p.m., Snack Time Around The World: A Taste of African Heritage, St. Louis County Library – Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Drive. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Wed., Feb. 3, 4 p.m., Black History Month School Spirit, St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive St. For more information, call (314) 771-5450.
Wed., Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m., A Taste of African Heritage, St. Louis County Library – Lewis and Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Thurs., Feb. 4, 3 p.m., Creative Kids: African American Quilt Board, St. Louis Public Library – Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge. For more information, call (314) 771-5450.
Thurs., Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m., A Taste of African Heritage, St. Louis County Library- Indian Trails Branch, 8400 Delport Dr. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Thurs., Feb. 4, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents Black History Month Featured Speaker with New York Times Bestselling Author Andrea Davis Pinkney, St. Louis Public Library-Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave. For more information, call (314) 771-5450.
