Several events planned in Cape to commemorate MLK Day

Plans for several days of events to honor the civil-rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are underway in Cape Girardeau.

Debra Mitchell-Braxton of Cape Girardeau, founder and executive director of a committee of residents who lead the organization of the annual citywide King events, said a key point attendees will take from this year's celebration is that service to one's community should be a focus, which is in line with the nationally recognized MLK Day of Service.

The King holiday, celebrated on or near the historic civil rights leader's birthday each January, also has become a day known for volunteerism and community service projects since being designated by Congress in 1994 as a national service day.

Locally, Mitchell-Braxton said the events held to honor King, such as an annual luncheon, are meant to double as an opportunity for local service agencies to connect with the public by setting up displays and handing out information.

Also, in lieu of an admission fee, attendees are asked to donate nonperishable items, canned goods, toiletries or school supplies. The items then are given to various social service agencies in the community.

Mitchell-Braxton said she hopes the community will see the events as a chance to reflect on societal changes since the civil rights era.

"I think it's important that we reflect and rededicate our lives to remembering these events that shaped our country and made a difference in our lives," she said. "I'm hoping that people will remember that we have not always been as one, and that Dr. King and many other individuals died in the fight to ensure that all of us had equal opportunity in life, in every walk of life, and things like housing, education and employment. We need to always be looking at what we are doing to make a difference."

Rev. Joe Nixon

Edmund Lowe Sr.

Keynote speakers will highlight several events, including a memorial breakfast and the annual luncheon Jan. 20, which is designated as this year's federal holiday. The Rev. Joseph Nixon, pastor of St. Peter's A.M.E. Church in St. Louis, will speak at the breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Edmund E. Lowe Sr., presiding elder of the St. Louis-Cape Girardeau District of the Missouri Conference of the A.M.E. Church, will be the featured speaker at the luncheon, which starts at noon the same day at the Salvation Army.

Music, various service awards and other tributes will be featured at the events, which include:

• 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Extravaganza, 7 p.m. Thursday, Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School auditorium, 205 Caruthers St.
• 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Program, 6 p.m. Saturday, St. James A.M.E. Church, 516 North St.
• 29th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast, doors open 7:30 a.m., event begins 8 a.m. Jan. 20, Salvation Army
• Prayer Service for Our Nation, 11:30 a.m. Jan. 20, Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.
• 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Luncheon, noon Jan. 20, Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.
• 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Gala, 4 p.m. Jan. 20, West Park Mall, 3049 William St.

All events are free to the general public. Those who wish to attend the breakfast and the luncheon are asked to RSVP by Saturday by calling Mitchell-Braxton at 275-6814 or by calling 275-6522. Sponsorship opportunities for the events, which can include donations for event expenses, are welcome; information is available by calling Mitchell-Braxton.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

205 Caruthers St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

516 North St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

701 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

3049 William St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.