Musical tributes kick off King celebrations in Cape

Nearly 200 people attended the event that kicked off a weekend of activities to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would have turned 83 Sunday.

The 10th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Extravaganza at Central Junior High School on Thursday night provided musical tributes by junior high students.

Nine-year-old Peighton Robinson brought audience members to their feet with her rendition of "Oh Happy Day." Her grandmother, Altha Robinson, provided keyboard support, and her mother, Ramona Robinson, sang in the program.

"It's a time to honor Martin Luther King Jr.," said Peighton, who has been performing in the event for the past four years. "I know when I'm singing I'm touching Martin Luther King Jr. and I'm touching other people's hearts."

Among the performances were several tributes by the Cape Junior High School Choir under the direction of Mike Dumey. Matt Stearns sang "Man in the Mirror" while traveling up and down the aisles interacting with audience members as the choir provided musical backup. They received a standing ovation.

Thirteen-year-olds Faith and Hope Ransom, who moved to Cape Girardeau from Blytheville, Ark., in October, provided entertainment by singing "I'll Be There."

"Being in the show meant a lot," Faith said. "Now blacks and whites can come together as one."

Most of the talent for the celebration was provided by 12- to 14-year-old students. They were allowed to choose some of the musical numbers.

"This is the first time the ensemble has performed together," Dumey said. "We practiced the numbers in class, but only four or five people from each class attended the extravaganza. Today at 5 is the first time these kids sang and danced together."

High school senior Damand Davis provided the sound for the party. He has worked with Dumey on several projects for the past four years.

"It's a time for the community coming together," Davis said. "Not blacks, not whites, not Muslims, just people. It takes acceptance and perseverance on all sides."

Upcoming events for this weekend include the 22nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Community Celebration at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. James AME Church, 516 North St. in Cape Girardeau; the 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Luncheon Benefit at noon Monday at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.; and the 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Gala at 4 p.m. Monday at West Park Mall.

For more information on the events, call Debra Mitchell-Braxton at 573-979-0213.

Pertinent address:

205 Caruthers Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO