Martin Luther King, 1929-1968

This month Cape Girardeau prepares to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who changed the nation and the world, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Throughout the month several events are planned both in the community-at-large and at Southeast Missouri State University to honor King. Southeast will host the late Civil Rights leader's son, Martin Luther King III,

The community events will feature an array of speakers and celebration activities and honor locals for their humanitarian service.

In honor of the King holiday, OFF! Magazine has put together a schedule of events and profiles of and commentaries from members of the local black community.

King's legacy was one of love, peace and equality that we would all do well to remember in modern-day America.

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Schedule of events

Jan. 12

Fourth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Extravaganza, 7 p.m., Osage Community Centre

The Birthday Extravaganza is a musical celebration of King's life and message featuring performances by community, school and church musical ensembles. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to a food pantry in lieu of an admission fee.

Jan. 15

16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, 5 p.m., St. James A.M.E. church, 516 North St.

The annual Community Celebration this year will feature Rev. Melvin Williams, pastor of the Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson City, Mo., as the keynote speaker, along with musical performances by Williams' church choir and other guest soloists. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Award will also be presented.

Jan. 16

21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Osage Community Centre

Keynote speaker Rev. Ron Webb of Ron Webb Ministries and Mt. Calvary Powerhouse in Poplar Bluff, Mo., will deliver an address and area students will provide a program or oratorical and theatrical tributes to King. Reservations must be made by Jan. 13 by calling Johnnie Bridges-Green at 335-8832 or Debra Mitchell-Braxton at 979-0213. Attendees are encouraged to donate to the King Scholarship Fund at Southeast Missouri State University.

Fifth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Benefit Luncheon, noon, Osage Community Centre

Pastor Bobby Dean of St. Mark's Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Mo., will deliver the keynote address and musical entertainment will be provided. The annual Dr. C. John Ritter Humanitarian Award will also be presented. Reservations must be made by Jan. 13 by calling Johnnie Bridges-Green at 335-8832 or Debra Mitchell-Braxton at 979-0213. Attendees are asked to bring toiletries, new tennis shoes for children ages 0-10, school supplies and canned goods in lieu of admission.

10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Gala, 4 p.m., West Park Mall

Area youth organizations will provide will provide musical, oratorical and theatrical tributes to King. Admission is free.