Several MLK events planned in Cape

Martin Luther King Day is Jan. 18, and many events have been planned in Cape Girardeau to celebrate the civil-rights leader's legacy.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citywide Celebration Committee has scheduled several events Jan. 18, as well as events on the days leading up to it.

"We start with a birthday celebration on Jan. 14," Debra Mitchell-Braxton, director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citywide Celebration Committee, said.

Mitchell-Braxton said the events will honor not only King's memory, but the memory of the other leaders and participants in the civil-rights movement.

"We take this time to honor those that marched and those that lost their lives to defend our civil rights," she said. "We want to ensure that we say thank you. And we also want to reach out to those in need -- to encourage people, mentor people and engage people."

The events organized by the committee are free to the public, but they ask those who attend donate nonperishable food items, canned goods, toiletries or food supplies.

"Martin Luther King Day was legislated as a National Day of Service in 1994," Mitchell-Braxton said. "So we encourage people to donate at the events and also to consider other ways they can serve the community."

Southeast Missouri State University's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner takes place in the Show Me Center on Jan. 20.

Author, veteran and Rhodes scholar Wes Moore will visit the campus to present the keynote address.

The theme of the dinner is "Living Life Beyond Expectations."

Dinner tickets are $20 each or $160 for a table.

Free individual student tickets are available at the information kiosk in the third floor of the University Center while supplies last. Additional student tickets will be $5 each.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

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MLK events in Cape

Jan. 14

7 p.m.: 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Extravaganza at Franklin Elementary, 215 N. Louisiana St.

Jan. 17

6 p.m.: 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Community Celebration at St. James AME Church, 516 North St.

Jan. 18

8 a.m.: 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast at The Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.

11:30 a.m.: Prayer Service for Our Nation at The Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.

Noon.: 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Luncheon Benefit at The Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.

4 p.m.: 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Gala at West Park Mall Center Court, 3049 William St.

Jan. 20

6 p.m.: Southeast Missouri State University*'s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner at the Show Me Center, 1333 N. Sprigg St.