by Carolyn Carpenter
More than four decades after his death, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to social justice and change remains relevant. The public is invited to attend a celebration of his principles by participating in the annual commemoration of his life and work. The celebration event will be held on Sunday, January 17, from 5-7 pm in the Roland Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hannibal-LaGrange University. This event is free and open to the public.
The afternoon will be filled with inspiring music and a thought-provoking presentation by featured speaker, Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, pastor at Liberation Christian Church in St. Louis. The event will also include an art exhibit component. The exhibit’s theme is to Honor Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, and will include pieces from professional artists as well as area students.
This year marks the 4th year that Hannibal-LaGrange University and Jim’s Journey: the Huck Finn Freedom Center will be co-hosting the celebration. Additional sponsors this year include HAYS and Willow Street Christian Church.
Jim’s Journey board member, Joel Dant, will emcee the event, and Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU president, will give opening remarks. This year’s featured speaker, Dr. Wise Baker, will engage those in attendance in meaningful dialogue around the theme “Our Youth are Our Hope.” In addition to being a pastor, Dietra is also a chaplain at Lakeside Residential Center and St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center. She has over a decade of service to adolescents through her work here and other youth oriented community organizations.
Entertainment will be provided by talented young community members and will include singing, dancing, rap, and storytelling. Following the program, guests are welcome to attend a reception in the RFAC lobby with cake and refreshments.
Monday, January 18, from noon-4 pm, the public is also invited to a private tour of Jim’s Journey: the Huck Finn Freedom Center, 509 N. 3rd Street, Hannibal. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. A free showing of the film “The Children’s March”, will also take place.
For more information about these events please contact Faye Dant at 217.617.1507 or via email at fayedant@gmail.com.