In observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, organizations throughout the area have scheduled a number of activities that are free, unless noted, and open to the public.
Flo Valley celebrates MLK
St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley will host its annual celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, in the Terry M. Fischer Theater on campus, 3400 Pershall Road.
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.
Gunning Francis is also the author of “Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community.” As a mother of two African American sons, she has grounded her scholarship and activism in an ethic of love that honors the humanity of young black men in a society that too often has little regard for them. Her starting point as a practical theologian is the imago dei, that all people are created in the image of God, and fashions her teaching and preaching to posit this as a core tenet for building beloved community. For Gunning Francis, faith and justice are inextricably linked.
The event will also feature the winners of the annual North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) Oratorical Contest and musical performances.
The event is sponsored by the college and NCCU. Admission is free and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Special accommodations are available for persons with disabilities by calling 314-513-4551.
Hazelwood Enrichment Commission Hosts Annual King Tribute
The City of Hazelwood’s Community Enrichment Commission will host its 14th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Road.
Andre Hepkins, KMOV-TV news anchor, is the keynote speaker. Other speakers include the Rev. Adrienne Denson and Mayor Matthew Robinson. Musical selections will be performed by the McGeeBay Sisters, Felicia Ezell and the choir of Jury Elementary School, which is part of the Hazelwood School District. A special candelighting ceremony will conclude the event.
For more information, call 314-731-0980.
Daylong Readings Highlight Christ Church Cathedral Observance
Community readings of the writings, speeches and sermons of Dr. King highlight the Christ Church Cathedral’s seventh annual “Let Freedom Ring” slated 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at 1210 Locust Street.
The readings will take place in the Nave of the Cathedral. A reader has been assigned for each half-hour segment of the community reading, but anyone in attendance may participate in the reading. The readings will be accompanied by a display of pictures of the slain civil rights leader, who preached at the cathedral in 1964.
“Like scripture, Dr. King’s words don’t just have meaning for the generation in which they were written, but new meaning for every generation,” said the Very Rev. Mike Kinman, dean of Christ Church Cathedral. “As a new civil rights movement is being born across America, there is no better time for us to hear his words afresh and look for their guiding wisdom.”
For more information, call 314-348-6453.
Wentzville Celebration Features Unity Walk
The city of Wentzville’s 11th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration opens with a “Unity Walk” at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, in front of City Hall. The keynote speaker will be Rev. B.T. Rice.
The evening program begins at 7 p.m. Bev Randles, candidate for Missouri lieutenant governor, will be the keynote speaker. Rene Knott, KSDK-TV sports director, will serve as the emcee.
For more information, call 636-856-7738 or 636-332-8800.
CBTU honors MLK
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionist is sponsoring the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Awards Banquet in honor and observation of his birthday.
Awards to be presented to the following individuals for their contribution to the struggle of social justice, labor and human rights issues in the tradition of Dr. King.
* Tishaura Jones, City of St. Louis Treasurer
* Better Family Life, Better Family Life is a 501c3 community development corporation dedicated to the development of the American family.
* Missouri SEIU State Council, The voice of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) members across the state of Missouri. A strong advocates for working families and proud being part of the AFL-CIO.
The keynote speaker is Claude Cummings, International Vice President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the CBTU International Executive Council Member.
The event will be held 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 18 at 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
SIUE to Host Black Lives Matter Conference Jan. 20
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville will host “Black Lives Matter – Inside the Movement” beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the Morris University Center Conference Center.
Jessica C. Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of historical studies, will deliver the opening address. She specializes in 20th century African American history, with a particular interest in the long black freedom struggle and the contributions of black women. Her current research examines the activism of black women in Oakland, Calif.’s civil rights struggle in the decades preceding World War II.
SIUE Interim Chancellor Stephen Hansen will deliver remarks prior to Harris’ address. The morning will include a student panel discussing what the movement means to them. Anthony Cheeseboro, Ph.D., associate professor of historical studies, will moderate a faculty, staff and community panel. Cheeseboro will provide closing remarks about the future of the movement.
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.
