Historical February 1997 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Sunday, January 12, was a day of unity and neighborhood diversity at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration ceremony at Grace and Peace Fellowship Church, 5574 Delmar at Clara.
The theme for this year’s event was: Our Neighborhood Rooted in Diversity Moving into the 21$’ Century.
The ceremony featured strong music, selected readings and a powerful keynote speaker, local historian Robert Tabscott.
It opened with the New Cote Brilliante Church of God choir singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with the help of audience participation. Jack Wright, Commemoration Committee Chairman and Elder Ted Smith from Grace and Peace welcomed everyone and urged them to take a piece of King’s dream with them every day. Wright outlined the theme by saying, “It’s our ongoing responsibility (as men and women) to keep his dream alive.” Bethel School students under the direction of Sandy Kalin sang “This Little Light of Mine,” featuring soprano Kalyn McNeal, 6 years old. Bethel students followed with selected readings about the crucial and significant points in Dr. King’s life.
After another outstanding number from the New Cote Brilliante choir, it was time for Robert Tabscott, our keynote speaker, to be introduced. Neighborhood resident and community council member Greg Freeman made the introduction of Tabscott, local historian and president of the Elijah P. Lovejoy society of St. Louis. Tabscott began his presentation by making references to Medgar Evers’ murder and other racial injustices. “What will be going on when we leave here today?” asked Tabscott about living the dream daily. Using major historical and literary references, Tabscott gave an emotional and powerful speech.
He held an audience captive as he expressed his feelings about culture and how to maintain it, not for just African Americans, but for all people.
The most powerful weapon Tabscott has that he urged all to use is language.
According to him, language is the most powerful tool. “Word work is sublime when it is done well.” Tabscott believes that even though this country is caught up in bureaucracies, mergers, and money, adults can still give their children the future to make things right again: a future that can be given without the bloodshed of the earlier forefathers.
After musical interludes from both the St. Roch School fifth graders and the New Cote Brilliante choir, Reverend Miki Merritt of New Cote Brilliante Church of God made the closing remarks. Then, the New Cote Brilliante chor took everyone home with “We Shall Overcome” while everyone in the audience joined hands.
The commemoration was sponsored by Grace and Peace Fellowship, New Cote Brilliante Church of God, and the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council.
The Commemoration Committee consisted of Jack Wright, Chairman; Marjorie Butler, Ruth Johnson, Ted and Gladys Smith, Gloria Openlander, Lana Stein, Cari Marinella, Shirley Polk, Sandy Kalin, Barbara Thompson, and Reverend Miki Merritt. Laure Porterfield, director of the SDCC, and Vivi Wolf, Neighborhood Stabilization Officer, lent their hands to this effort as well.
Following the Commemoration, Grace and Peace hosted a reception for all attendees.
Original photograph caption
Participants at the1997King Commemoration. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1997.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1997_02.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
