The 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Kickoff was an early celebration of one of the country’s most iconic figures. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Held at Harris-Stowe State University on Saturday, January 6, 2024, this year’s theme is “Keeping the Dream Alive: It Starts With Me”
“In the face of the ongoing challenges we encounter, this year’s theme serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility,” said Dr. LaTonia Collins-Smith, Harris-Stowe president and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri chair.
Collins-Smith hopes neighborhoods across Missouri will continue acts of community service and exemplify the principles King encouraged all to embody.
Since its establishment in 1985, the statewide celebration has helped sponsor regional community initiatives across the state to honor the legacy of Dr. King.
“As we pay homage to Dr. King’s legacy we recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations embodying the ideals of equality in education, health care, economic empowerment, service to the community, and justice and freedom,” said Collins-Smith. “These awardees are actively making a difference in our state.”
Awardees included Alana Green of St. Louis, Distinguished Social Action Award; Bishop Ron Webb of Poplar Bluff, Mo., the Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. Legacy Award.; Edward Berry of Fulton County, the Distinguished Community Service Award; and Mary Ratliff of Columbia Mo., the Distinguished Drum Major Award.
The program began with a tribute step performance by Gentlemen of Vision (GOV), a local team that helps mentor and empower young at-risk male youth to become leaders and scholars in their schools and communities. The audience also enjoyed inspirational, gospel songs by national recording artist and gospel choir Jesse D. Williams and Total Praise.
Keynote speaker and honoree Rev. Dr. Freddy J. Clark, founder of Shalom Church (City of Peace) reminded the audience the struggle for social and racial justice is still the fight of our times.
He suggested as a community we should act in ‘dangerous’ unselfishness, kinda like the mantra of John Lewis’ ‘good trouble.’
“This means to be interested in the well-being of everybody,” said Clark.
He informed the audience that this act would require having uncomfortable conversations.
“It’s time for us to get off the sidelines and get in the game.”
Passing the mantle to the younger generation can help keep King’s legacy alive, with a sense of urgency in his voice he said, “We should use the God-given gifts each of us have.”
Yvette Jones attends the annual celebration and wants more people to come out to support the work of Dr. King.
“After hearing the speeches I’m encouraged to do all that I can to help push the work King wanted to be done in the community,” she said.
Julia Greene, 27, says she has been coming to the event since she was a young girl and still enjoys listening to the uplifting words about equality.
“I think it’s important to keep Dr. King’s legacy going to show unity and like this year’s theme, it starts with us,” she said.
“Let us strive to be the peace we wish to see in the world by walking in the principles King encouraged,” Collins-Smith.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
