Historical February–March 2001 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On January 14, the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council again helped to sponsor a commemoration honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This year the event took place at Grace United Methodist Church.
The pastor welcomed those who had assembled.
The music of the New Cote Brilliante Church of God choir filled the sanctuary. Chairperson Greg Freeman welcomed everyone. Skits and music illustrating King’s thought were performed by children from St. Roch School and the Bethel School.
The youth group at Grace under the direction of John Thomas also performed.
The afternoon’s keynote speaker, Darlene Green, St. Louis’s Comptroller, and a resident of the neighborhood, spoke about the inspiration she received from Dr. King’s teachings and others who struggled for equality.
In keeping with its tradition, all those present linked hands and sang “We Shall Overcome.” Then, everyone moved to the social hall. Grace Methodist provided refreshments to a gathering as diverse as the neighborhood itself.
Original photograph caption
Darlene Green. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2001.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: This report dates commemoration January 14; adjacent Greg Freeman report says January 15. Both separately credited accounts retained.
Original source: SD_Times2001_02.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
