Clark State Community College and the City of Springfield will host the 28th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon on Friday, January 12 at 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Hall of the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone Street in downtown Springfield.
High schools in Clark County nominated a student from their school to be recognized as Peacemakers for exemplifying a zeal for social justice and service to others," said Kanesha Scott, STEM programming manager for Clark State. "The students were nominated by a school counselor or their peers."
The keynote speaker for this year's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon will be Reverend Darryl Simmons. "Though he now lives in Wisconsin, Reverend Simmons was born and brought up in Springfield. The hometown love he has for our city is evident in his sincere desire to speak to the community,” said Cheryl Dover, minority business development with the City of Springfield. “With God-inspired delivery that is reminiscent of Dr. King, his style is one that is not easily ignored. I'm excited to hear his address.”
Clark State and the City of Springfield started the Peacemaker program in the 1980s. The City of Springfield gives each Peacemaker a motivational book selected by John Young of Wittenberg University.
The City of Springfield will recognize Kelvin Henry - KPK Builders and Dr. Julius Dion Bailey as historically disadvantaged businesses; and The Conscious Connect - as an outstanding youth program. Local band Tru-Luv will perform a jazz and soul music set during the luncheon.
"This event is important because it reminds us of how far we've come and how very far we have to go as far as simply treating each other like we want to be treated. Very simple, very important and for some reason, obviously quite difficult," said Dover.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon will officially denote the early start of Clark State’s February Black History Month celebration. In addition to the luncheon, the Central State Choir will perform at the Clark State Performing Arts Center on February 2. Tickets are free and can be obtained at the box office.
Clark State and Community Mercy Health Partners will also host a dinner featuring panelists discussing “Health and Safety in the Black Community” on February 15 at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center. Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting Tracy Yates at (937) 328-6066 or yatest@clarkstate.edu.