ST. LOUIS — As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, groups all over St. Louis are already celebrating his legacy.
Despite the frigid cold temperatures and spitting snow, faith leaders and community members gathered around the base of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue in Fountain Park Saturday morning.
"We just hope that through our gathering and other gatherings throughout our city, people will look beyond those things that divide us and think about the bridges that we need to build," Rev. Derrick Perkins, Centennial Christian Church, said.
This event marked Centennial Christian Church's 7th annual MLK ceremony. The ceremony echoed MLK's legacy and life's work: creating a beloved community.
"1968, the year Dr. King was assassinated, was a year that historically had been marked as a year of great division and polarization and conflict in our country. 50 years down the road, it's only gotten worse," Eric Stiller, Central West End Church Pastor, said.
The remembrance was filled with speeches, workshops and a talent showcase. All of this happened around the statue, which many people don't even know exists.
"A lot of people who even lived in the area had never paid any attention to the statue," Katrude Palmer, Fountain Park resident, said.
Among the many partners who help annually with the event was Alpha Phi Alpha, a fraternity that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a proud member of.
"When people around the country talk about Dr. King, they also mentioned his membership in the Alpha Phi Alpha and so it is a natural fit for us," Michael Ferrer, Epsilon Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha President, said.
While we continue to honor the great Dr. King every single year, organizers want to remind the community that if we are going to have a day of remembrance, we also have to remember all the work that still needs to be done in our city.
"We're remembering his work, and we want to continue that legacy of togetherness and dignity for all people," David Lambacher, Central West End Church Ministry Coordination Director, said.