Historical February 1998 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Since 1984, the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council has facilitated the organization of an annual commemoration of the life and work of the Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The chairman of this event is Jack Wright of 58xx Pershing who has worked on this event since its inception.
With the help of SDCC staff and volunteers, another memorable afternoon commemoration took place on January 18 at Grace and Peace Fellowship. Kurt Lutjens of Grace and Peace made introductory remarks.
Following were a series of readings and songs performed by groups of school children from Bethel School, the Grace and Peace Youth, St. Roch, and Hamilton.
The afternoon’s address was given by Gwendolyn D. Packnett.
She is the director of multicultUral relations at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Her late husband, Ronald Packnett, was pastor of Central Baptist Church, and a leading area civil rights leader. Mrs. Packnett addressed the meaning of King’s life and work by analogy.
She noted that men are free to choose between alternatives but are often limited by fear and react to others with fear.
She asked the audience to take a look at what would happen if we conquered our fears. “We can replace fear with the liberating force of love. Love is the alternative to fear.” We have to experience something outside our very own comfort zone, according to Packett. Those who operate out of fear cannot build; they are bound by the status quo.
She closed by. saying that “None of us are free unless all of us are free.” The New Cote Brilliante Church of God choir performed several lively selections and its pastor, the Rev. Miki Merritt, made closing remarks.
The church was quite full with many children of all backgrounds. Jack Wright organized another meaningful and special King Commemoration.
Original photograph caption
Gwendolyn Packnett. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1998.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1998_02.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
