MLK Events

Hey Urbanistas, as you know Martin Luther King's bday is tomorrow and I wanted to share a few events going on in the next couple of days.  Now if you didn't hear, there was a kickoff celebration last Saturday at HSSU (Harris Stowe State University) that my lovely hubby took me to (which was a total surprise)!  Al Sharpton was the guest speaker, and I tell you ladies, it was truly inspirational.  The MLK kickoff celebration was hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission and there were quite a few St. Louis dignitaries in the house including Johnny and Minga Furr, Ruth Smith, Johnetta Haley (my lovely seasoned soror), Ida Woolfolk, Mayor Francis Slay, James Buford, License Collector Mike McMillian, William "Lacy" Clay Jr., and KSDK News Channel 5 emcees Sharon Stevens and Anthony Slaughter.  Rev. Al really brought me to tears when he spoke about how the older generation fought so hard for all of us to be successful; and how we tend to forget to reach back to help those who helped us get to where we are.  It was those who had little education, but a lot of heart to fight for what's right.  Basically, it is our duty to continue to give back to all who may be less fortunate.  I will definitely find more time in 2010 to give back to my people.  On another note, there are quite a few events going on in celebration of MLK day, so make sure you get out in honor of the king!  Here are some great events going on in the next few days you may want to check out::

If It Wasn't for the Women
Friday, January 15th
7:30 p.m.
St. Louis Art Museum Auditorium
One Fine Arts Drive
Forest Park

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrates women who were, and continue to be, drum majors for justice and peace.  The honorees embody the words of Coretta Scott King, "If the nation is to be saved, women must become its soul."

RACE:  Are We So Different?
Saturday, January 16th
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd.


Race is a powerful concept that shapes how one see others and is seen by others, yet the public poorly understands what race is.  To clarify what race is and what race isn't, the American Anthropological Association developed this interactive museum exhibition.  Admission:  adults-$8, seniors, students, and groups $6 Contact:  314.361.7395

Live the Dream-Live United
Service Projects throughout the City of St. Louis
Monday, January 18th
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. LIVE THE DREAM-LIVE UNITED is an intergenerational, interfaith, multicultural initiative that will engage volunteers in service projects and civic dialogue throughout the city of St. Louis.  Contact:  The United Way of Greater St. Louis Volunteer Center 314.539.4298 or tyler.brownfield@stl.unitedway.org

Civic Ceremony and March of Celebration
Monday, January 18th
10:00 a.m.
Old Courthouse
4th & Market
March to Powell Symphony Hall Grand and Enright

Civil Ceremony will include remarks from elected officials and dignitaries, music and statement of concern.  Following the Civic Ceremony, at 11:00 a.m., the March of Celebation will begin in the streets of downtown St. Louis with marchers and motorcades.  At. 12:30 p.m., an interfaith service will be held at Powell Symphony Hall with local choirs and profound speakers.  Admission is free.