Annual MLK Celebration set for Monday in Sikeston

SIKESTON — The Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee, in partnership with the State Celebration Commission of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension, will host the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Monday in Sikeston.

This year’s theme will be “Building the Dream.” The celebration will begin with a motorcade parade from Green Memorial C.O.G.I.C., 113 Clayton Ave. to Lincoln University Extension office, 214 Lincoln St. (formerly Felker Street) in Sikeston. Line up for the motorcade parade will be at 10:30 a.m. at Green Memorial C.O.G.I.C., and the motorcade parade will begin at 11 a.m. It will conclude at the Lincoln University Extension office where a formal program will immediately follow the parade.

Keynote speaker will be Aldon “Al” Myers of Kansas City. Joining Myers will be his niece, Larysa Jaye, of Nashville, Tennessee, who will sing her newly-released single, “Birmingham (Side by Side),” as a prayerful tribute to Civil Rights-era tragedy.

Larysa Jaye

Larysa Jaye

“We look forward to seeing you on Jan. 17,” said Michael Harris, pastor and planning committee member.

Myers is the director of talent acquisition for Nu Skin based in Provo, Utah. He specializes in talent acquisition, workplace culture and morale and employee engagement and retention. He speaks and trains audiences in leadership, career advancement and discovering and taking advantage of the hidden opportunities in life. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Myers received his bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and his Juris Doctorate from University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Law.

“He is currently working to create the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Evolve) Leadership Group, where anyone can learn the physical, mental and social attributes it takes to achieve success,” Harris said.

Jaye, a singer/songwriter, is a Nashville-based acoustic soul artist who synthesizes a broad range of influences in her performances.

“Her eclectic style reaches every person in the room regardless of background or music preference,” Harris said. “Larysa’s newly released, ‘Birmingham (Side by Side),’ is a strong but gentle reminder that change has been a long time coming.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, carryout meals will be available for pickup immediately after the program, with social distancing observed.

For additional information, contact Brenda Echols at (573) 471-3059 or Harris at (573) 471-2500.