Community planning a pair of MLK day events

Community planning a pair of MLK day events

2nd St. John, L. R. Jackson center hosting special gatherings

news@theeveningtimes.com Two events this coming Monday observing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday are set for West Memphis. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King at the Lorraine Motel, just 15 miles away in Memphis. The holiday, which celebrated what would have been Dr. King’s 89th birthday, is a solemn remembrance of the civil rights leader and the efforts he and others made toward realizing justice and equality for everyone.

One event has been planned by the Crittenden County Christian Coalition. Second St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Rev.

Stephen Chitman, Pastor, will host the coalition’s observance, beginning at 10 a.m. A pot luck luncheon will follow, with a community roundtable discussion forum, and the keynote speech delivered by Dr. C.W. Campbell. More than 40 pastors and churches have cosponsored with the coalition event and an award will go to the church with the highest attendance.

As the date drew near, Dr. Campbell reflected on the occasion.

“As a nation, we have made unimaginable strides toward human equality,” said Campbell.

“However there is still much to be achieved.”

At the same time, Wonder City Boys & Girls Club Director Carolyn Anthony has slated an MLK commemoration event, this one aimed at the community’s youth.

With cold weather in the forecast, the traditional march circling the southeast part of the city is not on the agenda this year. Activities for the holiday will be all indoors.

Students will hear a special speaker beginning at 10 a.m. at the L.R. Jackson Activities Center. The girls will present praise dances and the whole crowd will have a chance to answer questions in the Martin Luther King quiz bowl. A voter registration drive at the event will focus on the adults in attendance and lunch follows the two-hour event.

Second St. John is located at 305 N. Ingram Blvd. in West Memphis. The L.R. Jackson Activities Center is located at 405 S. 25th St., in West Memphis. Both events are free and are open to the public.

By John Rech