A spirit of partnership

After hearing stories about the struggles that Cape Girardeau's black community faced during desegregation, area churches and ministers vowed to work together to strengthen the community. That promise for better partnerships between the black and white religious communities in the city came after a joint worship service held on the federal Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday last year.

Since that service, the local ministerial alliance has been working to foster better relationships among the city's races. There have been workshops on confronting racism, conversations about similar concerns and a greater sense of cooperation among the churches.

That spirit of partnership is evidenced in the variety of events planned Monday to honor the slain civil rights leader. The events include a Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Show Me Center, a humanitarian luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Osage Community Centre, a youth gala at 3:30 p.m. at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park and a community celebration at 7 p.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church.

Keynote speaker at the breakfast is lawyer Brandon Shelton. He will speak about "embracing the vision and fulfilling the dream," the event's theme. Shelton often advises employers about diversity issues.

The services are a unified witness to the community, said the Rev. Bob Towner, rector of Christ Episcopal Church. "Bridges are being built," he said.

The community celebration also serves as an observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a time when churches nationwide try to build ecumenical relationships.

All the King events are planned to give people a chance to learn more about his life and legacy, organizers said. "We'll be remembering and highlighting what he stood for and what he espoused," said the Rev. David Allen, pastor of St. James AME Church.

Having multiple events gives people a choice of how they want to get involved, he said.

"The variety of events are formulated to honor Dr. King, and as much as we are honoring him we are also paying tribute to his legacy and his memory," Allen said.

Theme of last words

"I Have a Dream" is often King's most-quoted speech, but he spoke about freedom, dignity, justice and equality all the time. Several of those ideals will be the focus of the evening worship service. The community celebration's theme is "The Seven Words of Martin."

The idea is based on a Christian Good Friday service that focuses on the last words spoken by Christ. The seven last utterances, or phrases, spoken by Christ were: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"; "I tell you the truth: Today you will be with me in paradise"; "Woman, behold your son, son behold your mother"; "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?"; "I thirst"; "It is finished"; and "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

But this theme of last words will be explored not only through Scripture readings and text from King's speeches but also through participation from many local people.

Instead of looking to a speaker from St. Louis or California to talk about King's ideals, the organizing committee thought it best to highlight local voices, Allen said.

Speakers ranging from children to adults will read excerpts of King's speeches. Several ministers will speak on those topics as well.

'This is a day on'

But the overall focus of the holiday shouldn't be just to remember King's legacy but to pay tribute to his work, Allen said.

"This isn't just a holiday off," he said. "This is a day on."

Whether you choose to attend a community event, offer help or service to another or reflect on King's legacy, Monday's federal holiday should be a day when people take action and work to better their community, Allen said.

Two awards will be given out Monday to individuals who have served to implement King's ideals of service, equality and compassion in the community. The Dr. C. John Ritter Humanitarian Award will be presented at the humanitarian luncheon, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award will be presented at the community service.

In addition, other events will be held at the university throughout the week and in February as part of Black History Month observances.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126

WANT TO GO?

Several events to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are set for Monday:

19th annual Memorial Breakfast

When: Monday, doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Where: Show Me Center, 1333 N. Sprigg, Cape Girardeau

Third annual Humanitarian Luncheon

The Dr. C. John Ritter Humanitarian award will be presented at the event.

When: Monday, doors open at 11:30.

Where: Osage Community Centre, Cape Girardeau

Reservations: 334-0646.

Eighth annual Youth GalaArea youth will give musical, oratory and theatrical performances.

When: 3:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Westfield Shoppingtown West Park in the foyer of J.C. Penney, Cape Girardeau

14th annual Community CelebrationThe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Community Service will be presented.

When: 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Second Baptist Church, 835 Beaudean, Cape Girardeau