Activities throughout January, including the presentation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Scholarships to University of Central Missouri students, the Community Praise and Worship Service, and Day of Service activities in Warrensburg and in Lee’s Summit, highlight the 2024 MLK Celebration. All of these events and more are designed to honor King’s legacy under the theme, “Living the Dream: It Starts with Me – Spreading Hope, Courage and Unity.”
UCM’s Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity will present the discussion program, “Let’s Talk: Empathy Revolution: Walking in Others’ Shoes” from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 in Elliott Student Union 306. This program is also available virtually. Contact Esosa Akele at exa89890@ucmo.edu to learn more.
One of the highlights of the annual MLK Celebration is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Scholarship Banquet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the UCM Elliott Student Union ballroom. This is an opportunity for UCM to publicly introduce this year’s scholarship winners in a celebration that also features vocal music and dance performances by university and community members, and art displays featuring the works of local students who are inspired by King’s message. Tickets are required, and all funds raised go directly to UCM undergraduate students through Freedom Scholarships.
Students have an opportunity to help a variety of community partners with projects that will assist in fulfilling the organizations’ missions during the Volunteer Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. The group will meet in the Elliott Student Union atrium. Individuals who have questions should contact Kristie Brinkley, assistant director of volunteer services, at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu.
Day of Service activities for students are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 in the Elliott Student Union ballroom and from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, at UCM – Lee’s Summit.
In addition to these UCM campus activities, the presentation of Community Service Awards, hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, took place on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Matthews-Crawford American Legion Post 131, 733 E. Young St. in Warrensburg. This annual event recognized an individual in Johnson County, Sharon Franklin, of Warrensburg, with the Community Service Award, and Claire Thomas, a senior at Warrensburg High School, with the High School Community Service Awards. Both honors recognize the recipients’ humanitarianism, leadership and selfless service. Award presentations were made by Dr. Lover Chancler, director of UCM’s Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, and Joshua Detherage, chair of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Another event being planned in honor of King is the annual Community Service Blood Drive Jan. 23-24 at UCM. Once finalized, registration will be online. Contract kbrinkley@ucmo.edu for more details.
For more information about UCM’s MLK Celebration, contact Chancler at 660-543-8049 or chancler@ucmo.edu.
Release courtesy of the University of Central Missouri.
