Community getting ready for MLK Day events

Community getting ready for MLK Day events

Gatherings planned to commemorate life of civil rights leader

news@theeveningtimes.com

Schools are out for the Federal Government Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this Monday January 16.

While many businesses don’t observe the day off, it is a mid-winter day for many to cook-out and watch basketball. It will be a free day in Memphis at the Civil Rights Museum.

There are two events in Crittenden County to mark the birthday of the civil rights hero.

The importance of the civil rights movement varies by generation. A survey reported in Time in December and conducted by PEW Research revealed key events during a person’s lifetime shaped individual perspective. Those too young to remember Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. do not have the same appreciation as those that lived in America during the post war mid-century civil rights era. Events in West Memphis and Crittenden County are set to commemorate Dr.

Kings legacy for youth and adults.

Wonder City Boys and Girls Club on South 25th Street in West Memphis hosts a march followed by a rally and lunch. A solemn parade will step out at 9:00 a.m. along Jackson Avenue. That will be followed by special speakers presenting Dr. King in particular and the civil rights movement in general. The club event is geared to families and students and aims to enhance the appreciation for strides made during the civil rights era.

“The parade will come up 16th street, down Jackson and end here at the club,” said Club Director Carolyn Anthony. “Free chili and cinnamon rolls follow a Dr. King program.”

New Hope Baptist Mission invites all to a Countywide Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 16, 11:00 a.m. at the new church house Lakeshore Mobile Home Park, 377 Estate Drive, Marion. This event is sponsored by the Crittenden County Christian Coalition with partici- pation from the West Memphis and Marion Ministerial Fellowship. Special recognition will be awarded to a local leaders with a Rosa Parks commemoration and another named for MLK.

Special music by soloists will mark the ceremony. A reception follows speakers, Pastor Otis Davis from Earle, and Pastor Gary Hair of West Memphis.

“We have participation from all over the county and would love to have

to the public. The event in part is produced by the Racial Disparities in the Arkansas Criminal Justice System Research project.

“We have data that clearly presents we have justice problems for inmates in Arkansas,” said project representative John Gibson.

“We’ll give you the results of the study and tell you what we are trying to do and appeal for help in getting new laws past in this legislative session.”

By John Rech