Grand celebrations in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in St. Louis abounded this month.
A personal favorite was hosted at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in the city’s West End. The annual joint service with Westminster Presbyterian Church and Union Avenue Christian Church was remarkable. Reverend Allen Grothe (Pilgrim), Rev. Mark Miller (Westminster) and Rev. Dr. Suzanne Webb (Union Avenue) orchestrated an all-inclusive service for their members and the neighborhood. The churches’ joint choirs offered beautiful music opening with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Give Us the Wings of Faith,” “My Lord, What a Morning” and “We Shall Overcome.”
Rev. Grothe presented the weekly children’s church message. Program highlights included quotes from Dr. King including: “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal “and “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
The distinguished guest preacher for the day was Dr. Jeffrey O. McCune Jr. Dr. McCune is an associate professor at Washington University where he teaches Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, African American Studies and Performing Arts classes. Dr. McCune is also a performer, playwright and director. His message titled “What Shall We Tell Our Children in the Midst of All This Mess?” was very powerful. He recited lines from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and focused on Dr. King’s quest for peace in all nations. He stated that he became enthralled with Dr. King’s s messages when he was eight years old. A teacher asked him to memorize and recite Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech for MLK Day at school, and his life’s focus was changed forever.
The celebration’s finale showcased young students from Afriky Lolo, a local West African Dance Company. The youngsters led by drummer Caph Gueu included Christian Kelly, Najaah Muhamad, Jordan Young and Kyleigh Patrick. They were simply inspirational.
It was great to hear St. Louis Songbird Lynne Fiddmont performing back-up on the Grammy’s Sunday night. She sang back-up for Queen Latifah, Madonna, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Very cool! Dr. Pam Jackson always has the inside scoop on Lynne’s accomplishments. Thanks for keeping us posted, Pam!
The Love Boat is sailing on Valentine’s Day and the cruise will feature a Valentine’s Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction. Hosted by the Auxiliary to the Mound City Medical Forum, this annual event raises funds for St. Louis medical school and nursing students. The Jazz Edge will entertain through the evening. The festive event will be held February 14 at the Hilton Frontenac Hotel. For ticket or table information please call 314-265-8556 or 636-887-0210.
The Black Rep will present “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enough” written by St. Louis native Ntozake Shange.This special presentation runs January 30 through February 9 in the E. Desmond Lee Auditorium at The Missouri History Museum.African-American women starring in the play will include Linda Kennedy, Marsha Cann, Patrice McClain and Chelsea Draper who will portray the Lady in Yellow. Chelsea is the daughter of Judges George and Judy Draper.
Yes, that was St. Louis’ homegrown Brandon Glover (aka Hotsauce the Comedian) from Chicago with Darius Bradford at the Rustic Goat Sunday night. Darius has been featuring poets, artists and national comedians; everything goes at this popular downtown location on Sunday nights. Darius’ guest Hotsauce is just in from a productive week in Los Angeles. He performed at the Comedy Store, had a meet-and-greet with Stevie Wonder, taped Russell Simmons’ new comedy show “Def Digital,” did a five minute segment on TMZ (so silly), and auditioned for the Arsenio Hall Show. Great start to the New Year for Hotsauce. Keep this young man on your radar. He is destined for more success in 2014!
Happy Black History Month.
Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.
