Martin Luther King Jr. 2022 Celebration Activities in St. Louis | Local News
Alvin M. Keeling
6 min read
Dick DeMarsico, photographer, 1964. Courtesy of New York World-Telegram and Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection. Division of Prints and Photographs.
saturday january 15
10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Walk for Peace
Centennial Christian Church
Fountain Park-Lewis Place Community, Central West End Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Lambda (St. Louis, MO) Alumni Chapter, Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, Second Presbyterian Church and the Butler Group will hold a public commemoration to honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme is, Where do we go from here? Ensure political, economic, social and health equity for our city and region.
The Honorable Mayor of the City of St. Louis, Tishaura Jones, is scheduled to speak with brief remarks from Alderman 18 Jesse Todd. The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Choir of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will perform a musical selection. Yolonda “Yogi” Yancie, a member of the 18th Ward committee, will be the master of ceremonies. The Commencement and Peace Walk will take place and begin, respectively, inside Fountain Park at the statue of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., directly across from the Centennial Christian Church, located at 4950 , Fountain Avenue; St. Louis, Missouri 63113.
Sunday January 16
2 p.m.
Procession
Alton Branch NAACP
Please join the Alton Branch NAACP as we celebrate our second annual Martin Luther King, Jr. motorcade. Our theme this year is, “Step Forward for Change: When We Fight!” We win!”. The motorcade is a celebration of the example set by MLK, Jr. and the hope he instilled in our community that change will come. We ask that all motorcade participants meet at the Lincoln-Douglas Square in downtown Alton by 2 p.m. This is to ensure an expeditious 2.5 hour departure to James Killion Park (Salu) The route of the motorcade is TBD We welcome any creative decor you you may choose to add to your vehicle for the motorcade.To commemorate this moment, the program in honor of Dr. King will begin at 3 p.m.In addition, Rev. Dr. Gregory Harrison of Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ in Alton will receive a plaque in honor of his service to the Alton community.
Sunday, January 16, 2022
1:00 p.m.
New Shining Light Holiness, Deliverance
non-denominational church
celebrates its 25th silver medal
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday/Viewing/Award Ceremony
740 Broadway, Venice, IL 62090
Bishop John H Williams, Founder and Overseer, and Sharla Randolph-Jones, President, announce our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 25th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony. Due to the rise of COVID-19, we will be practicing safe distancing and everyone MUST wear a mask. We will have a mask available at the church. This year we will have seven blessed women to give a five-minute talk. They are: Illinois State Representative, Ms. Latoya Greenwood; Member/trustee of New Shining Light ND Church, Mrs. Sharla Randolph-Jones; the First Lady of the Metro East Worship Center, Mrs. Barbara Harrell; Acting Superintendent/Principal @ Brooklyn SD #188, Dr. Raelynn Parks; Ms. Gussie Glasper, Madison County Board Member and Venice Township Clerk; Madison County Community Development Planner, Ms. Amy Lyeria; Madison County, Mrs. Manouecheka (Elaina) McBee
monday january 17
9am
Old courthouse (downtown)
MLK Party Committee Motorcade
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee will celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights pioneer in downtown St. Louis on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 9 a.m. Due to Covid-19, organizers have made plans for this year’s 53rd annual celebration. This year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Committee will present a “Vote-Cade”, rather than the traditional march commemorating Dr. King. (Marshalls to be announced)
Beginning at 9 a.m., dignitaries and leaders will welcome participants for a brief program. After their remarks, the “cortege march” will begin. Media, families, churches, schools, organizations, etc. are asked to register to enter a van or car in the motorcade by identifying themselves/organization.
We will drive our vehicles from the historic Old City Center Courthouse to Vashon High School (TBC) where we will lay a memorial wreath for Dr. King. The motorcade will pass by Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard in North St. Louis. Along the route, we invite the community to post highlights and signs supporting the theme: “Unity in Community”. As we aim to address and eradicate the three evils: poverty, racism and violence and promote voter registration for the beloved community for which Dr. Martin Luther King gave his life. If not now when? Free COVID-19 testing/vaccination and voter registration will be provided.
To register a vehicle, get group buttons, sponsorship and more information, please contact: Mr. Gary Boyd, Program Coordinator, 314-458-6906, firstclassgb@aol.com, Lady Merdean Gales, President – 314 -583-0532, shit.gales@icloud.com
monday january 17
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The 35th Annual Danforth Campus of the University of Washington
Commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Zoom Webinar (Virtual)
Registration required. The program is free and open to everyone.
Opening speech
John Baugh, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Anthropology, Education, English, Linguistics, and African and Afro-American Studies
Professor Margaret Bush Wilson in Arts and Sciences
Title of Keynote: “Equality Matters: St. Louis’ Contributions to the Quest for Racial Harmony”
Performances
Black Anthology, WUSTL Student-Led Performing Arts Show Celebrating Black Culture
University of Washington Concert Choir with University of Washington undergraduate Joseph Mosby
For more information:
contact Rudolph Clay, Chairman of the MLK Memorial Committee, at (314) 935-5059
Email: rudolphc@wustl.edu
monday january 17
10am-2pm
Association of Community Organizations of Saint Louis
Presents MLK Small Libraries Day
SLACO Headquarters, 5588 Plymouth Avenue
SLACO will bring together volunteers, service groups and residents for this project. Dr Martin Luther King Jr said: “Life’s most persistent and pressing question is, ‘What are you doing for others? The Small Libraries will be placed along the Greenway on Hodiamont Tracks in seven North Central neighborhoods: Vandeventer, Academy, Fountain Park, Visitation, Lewis Place, West End, Covenant-Blu Grand Center. Residents are beginning to see positive changes in their neighborhoods. . Change & Action for Racial Equity (CARE), located in Saint Louis, Mo, is co-hosting the event and bringing other talent, resources and sponsors to the building event. Sponsors and other participants:• Dr. David Kantor, CARE Member• The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)• Maggie Strube, Program Director, Ready Readers• Little Free Library Organization• Tim Yahl CARE Build Team Member• Americorps Vistas • Charles Bryson • Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC).
saturday january 15
12 p.m.-3 p.m.
Craft Kits and Picture Book
Missouri History Museum
South Parkside Sidewalk
Drive to the no-contact sidewalk table at the museum’s south entrance to pick up advocacy-inspired craft kits and a picture book. Each kit will contain supplies to create your own community affirmation bookmark and peace sign. The books are generously provided by Ready Readers! Please note that books and craft kits are available while supplies last.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Missouri History Museum all weekend long. Families are invited to participate in virtual storytelling and youth activism workshops on Monday. On Sunday afternoon, everyone is invited to a virtual yoga class for all levels. Plus, on Saturday and Sunday, families can pick up craft kits, book giveaways and scavenger hunts at the Museum.
monday january 17
10am-12.15pm
Virtual Youth Activism Workshop
Missouri History Museum
Young people will explore and analyze primary sources to gain a better understanding of the history of the civil rights movement. Then, using their own experiences and analyzing historical examples of justice and injustice, young people will question, explain, elaborate and interpret their concepts of societal justice. Young people are also invited to join a special open dialogue facilitated by Tabari Coleman after the workshop, where they can talk freely with each other about their thoughts on race and activism.
10h30-11h
Virtually step into history
Missouri History Museum
St. Louis Black Children’s Literature Writers will present a storytelling performance of two books by local authors: I Define Me by Tracie Berry-McGhee and Rock What You Got by Aja La’Star Owens. You’ll also enjoy original oral affirmations and connections to the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
11.15am-12.15pm
Virtual youth activism (ages 6-12 recommended)
Missouri History Museum
Children will explore the larger context of the civil rights movement through a variety of primary sources and assess how activists communicate their messages through pictures and words. Then they will identify and explain the issues that matter to them by creating a poster that defends their point of view. Caregivers are invited to join us after the workshop for an open dialogue about race and parenting moderated by Tabari Coleman. The conversation will focus on how we can process and talk about current events and race-related issues with our children.
