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Local Events Offer A Variety Of Ways To Celebrate The Life Of Martin Luther King

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A worship celebration in Wichita on Monday will commemorate the life of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

The Greater Wichita Ministerial League will host the event, which will feature Ray of Hope Church founder Cynthia Hale.

Roosevelt DeShazer is president of the Greater Wichita Ministerial League. He says the event invites people of all backgrounds to honor King's achievements.

"We wanted to make sure we highlighted that Dr. Martin Luther King was a preacher — he was a pastor," DeShazer says. "This is a worship service, but this is a time to come and celebrate the totality of what Dr. King stood for."

The event will take place at noon on Monday, Jan. 20, at the Wichita State Metropolitan Complex.

Along with the Greater Wichita Ministerial League celebration, organizations around Wichita are also offering an array of events celebrating the life of the famous civil rights leader.

The days leading up to this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day will bring several programs ranging from worship celebrations to pancake breakfasts, all honoring the achievements of Dr. King.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Senior Wednesday Birthday Party — The Kansas African American Museum at 1:30 p.m.

The Kansas African American Museum is inviting people to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 91st birthday. The event will coincide with the museum's monthly Senior Wednesday and will feature speaker Dawn Pleas from Southwestern College.

Friday, Jan. 17

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration — Calvary Baptist Church at 7 p.m.

The Wichita State University chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will host an evening featuring keynote speaker Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson and musical entertainment.

Saturday, Jan. 18

MLK Breakfast and Parade — Christian Faith Centre, breakfast starts at 7 a.m., parade starts at 10 a.m.

The Christian Faith Centre will hold a breakfast and parade in celebration of Dr. King. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation. Breakfast is free for children and students and $3 for adults. The parade will begin at the Christian Faith Centre, 1130 S. Broadway, and will head to the Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park.

"Our Heritage, Our Hope" — Chapel Hill United Methodist Church at 6 p.m.

Join the Kansas African American Museum in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with musical guests, spoken word, and special guests Mayor Brandon Whipple and Reverend Junius B. Dotson. A $5 button is required for admission.

Sunday, Jan. 19

"I Go On Singing" — Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston College Campus at 7 p.m.

Internationally acclaimed singer Tony Brown will perform his concert experience "I Go On Singing: Paul Robeson's Life in Word and Song." The concert documentary tells the story of Paul Robeson, a civil rights activist before Dr. King. Tickets are $12 for adults and free for students and children.

Monday, Jan. 20

MLK Day of Service — Century II Expo Hall at 8 a.m.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity invites people to join their service event where the interior and exterior walls of two three-bedroom homes will be constructed. Attendees will learn about the need for affordable housing in the community. Registration is limited and participants must be at least 10 years old.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

12th Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration — Rhatigan Student Center Beggs Ballroom, Wichita State University Campus at 6 p.m.

The African American Faculty and Staff Association, Black Student Union, and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will host a commemoration to reflect on Dr. King's achievements and to envision a future for his work. The event will feature selections from the A.R.I.S.E. Ensemble and will recognize the 2020 Drum Major recipient.