The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri will host its 29th annual kick-off program on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. at Harris-Stowe State University’s Main Auditorium.
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III – President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and one of TIME Magazine’s 10 Best College Presidents – will serve as the keynote speaker for the event, which is themed, “Emerging Leaders Called to Action: A Time for Healing.”
Dr. Hrabowski has served as president of UMBC since 1992. As a front-runner in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), his research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance.
He recently chaired the National Academies’ committee that produced the report, “Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America’s Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads.” He was also recently named by President Obama to chair the newly created President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African-Americans.
In 1963, at the age of 12, Dr. Hrabowski joined the Children’s Crusade march during the Civil Rights Movement’s Birmingham campaign. The outcome of those efforts gave Dr. Hrabowski a life mission, and he has since been a devoted and tireless campaigner for equality, education and excellence.
This year’s celebration will honor area leaders including some on the rise surrounding the events in Ferguson. The 2015 honorees include: The Jazz Edge Orchestra, Distinguished Community Service Award; Wyman, Distinguished Service to Youth Award; Cortex Innovation Community, Distinguished Organization Award; and the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Distinguished Social Action Award.
The evening will also include special performances by Ronni Gee; Excel Performing Arts; Point of View Jazz Ensemble and the Harris-Stowe State University Concert Chorale. Howard Richards, color analyst for Mizzou football and Courtney Z. Stewart, vice president of strategic communications for the Missouri Health Foundation will serve as the evening’s emcees. Danita Mumphard and band will entertain those attending the post-reception sponsored by Anheuser-Busch immediately following the program.
The event is free and open to the public.
