By Jeff Murphy,
December 19, 2022
WARRENSBURG, MO 鈥 An opportunity to engage individuals in a celebration of the life
and work of civil rights leader and humanitarian Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is planned
as the 欧美视频, UCM-Lee鈥檚 Summit, and the local community host
a number of events in January honoring King鈥檚 legacy.
The theme for the 2023 MLK observance is 鈥淟iving the Dream and Still Marching,鈥 with the signature event featuring the Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser planned for
Tuesday, Jan. 17. This event will take place in the Sandra Temple Elliott Ballroom
of the Elliott Student Union, beginning with a sponsor reception at 5:30 p.m., followed
by the fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Participants have an opportunity to support Freedom
Scholarships for undergraduate students while enjoying vocal and dance performances
and works of art created by members of the UCM and local communities. These works
are inspired by the 60th anniversary of the freedom march that King led at Washington,
D.C., and are in addition to remarks from the 2022 Freedom Scholarship winners that
will be shared during the event. Heavy hors d鈥檕euvres will be served, and casual attire
is suggested. Organizations wanting to sponsor event tickets or individuals who want
to purchase tickets or make a donation in lieu of attendance should visit the event
.
The Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity has issued a Call for Artists that
encourages entries in various forms of artistic expression 鈥 spoken word, movement,
visual arts, music and more 鈥 that connect to this year鈥檚 theme honoring the anniversary
of the march. Artistic entries will also be available at the MLK Celebration at the
Missouri Innovation Campus, 1101 Innovation Parkway, Lee鈥檚 Summit, at 6 p.m. Friday,
Jan. 20. This event features faculty and student award presentations and the presentation
of the MLK Art Contest Award to a student enrolled in the Lee鈥檚 Summit R-VII School
District. Learn more by contacting Rick Smetana, director of UCM Lee-Summit Operations,
at smetana@ucmo.edu.
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce will present Community Service Awards to individuals
who exemplify humanitarianism, leadership and selfless service during a luncheon 11:45
a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the First United Methodist Church, 141 E. Gay
St., in Warrensburg. The program is jointly presented by the Chamber and the UCM Center
for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, and includes recognition for a local high school
student and an area resident who have served the community. To purchase tickets or
obtain more information, email the Chamber at chamber@warrensburg.org or call 660-747-3168. RSVP to the Chamber by Jan. 6, 2023.
The MLK celebration also includes an opportunity to help save lives through the gift
of blood. During January National Blood Donor Month, UCM will host a blood drive in
cooperation with the Community Blood Center, Sodexo and Delta Zeta sorority from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Elliott Student Union ballrooms. Donors will
receive free pizza during the event, and there is an opportunity for participants
to be entered in a drawing for a prize. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are
accepted as time and available staff allow. Register at . Contact Kristie Brinkley, assistant director of volunteer services at UCM, at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu for more information.
From 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, community members are invited to enjoy an afternoon
of music and the expression of faith during the Community Praise and Worship Service.
The service will take place at Shiloh Baptist Church, 212 N. Main St., Warrensburg.
Students who are interested in volunteering their assistance with a number of Warrensburg
organizations are encouraged to meet with community partners who need their help to
fulfill their missions during the Volunteer Fair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.
17 at the Elliott Student Union atrium. Anyone who has questions should email kbrinkley@ucmo.edu.
UCM鈥檚 Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity will present 鈥淢arch Your Talk: What
Does Inclusivity Look Like Today?鈥 on Tuesday, Jan. 17. This free presentation takes
place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Elliott Student Union Room 229. Contact Esosa Akele
at exa89890@ucmo.edu for more information.
Day of Service events are planned for both the Warrensburg campus and at the Missouri
Innovation in Lee鈥檚 Summit. UCM students in Warrensburg will have the opportunity
to participate in a variety of service projects to help local and surrounding communities
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. A similar opportunity awaits students at
the MIC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. Individuals who want to know more
about Day of Service activities in Warrensburg should email kbrinkley@ucmo.edu. For more information about MLK Day of Service in Lee鈥檚 Summit, email piziaka@gmail.com.
Individuals who want to know more about the MLK Celebration are encouraged to call
Dr. Lover Chancler, director of Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, at
660-543-8049 or email chancler@ucmo.edu.