Honoring Dr. King and Celebrating a Cherished Star Colleague
On January 15, 2024, in Kansas City, volunteers from Burns & McDonnell, including Lauren Baratta, Keyera Collins, and Matt Oates, painted a mural honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event marked part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Pitcher Elementary School, located at 9915 East 38th Terrace. This day commemorates the civil rights leader’s birthday, acknowledged as a federal holiday since 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.
Significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday has evolved since 1994 when President Bill Clinton established it as a day for civic engagement rather than just a day off. This initiative encourages Americans to participate in community service to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Local Celebrations in Kansas City
In Kansas City, various events took place to celebrate Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) held its annual Interfaith Service at the Community Christian Church, near the Plaza, attracting around 100 participants. This service commenced a week of celebrations highlighting Dr. King’s impact.
- Date: January 14, 2024
- Location: Community Christian Church
- Theme: “Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny”
- Panelists:
- Rabbi Talia Kaplan, Beth Shalom
- Dr. Sofia Khan, KC for Refugees
- Bishop Frank Douglas, Beth-Judah Ministries
- Mark Johnson, Spiritual Assembly of Baha’i
Upcoming Events
An important event on the calendar is the MLK Mass Celebration, scheduled for January 19, 2024, at St. James Methodist Church, located at 5540 Wayne Ave. The theme this year is “Defending Democracy and Repairing Black Lives.” The event begins at 6 p.m., with keynote speaker Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III leading the discussion.
Honoring a Trailblazer
This year’s interfaith service also recognized Helen Gray, a pioneer in journalism who passed away in 2023 at the age of 81. Gray was honored posthumously with the Evelyn Wasserstrom Award for her significant contributions to the community and journalism. Her legacy includes being the first African American woman reporter at The Star and a notable advocate for civil rights.
Legacy and Community Impact
Dr. King’s influence continues to resonate within the community, inspiring current and future generations. Events like the MLK Day of Service and the interfaith service remind participants of their social responsibilities and the importance of unity in diversity.
For those wishing to support and participate in these events, the community is encouraged to attend the MLK Mass Celebration and engage in local service initiatives throughout the week. Honoring Dr. King ultimately reflects a commitment to fostering equality and justice within all communities.
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