CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Wide Celebration Committee will host a variety of events in the Cape Girardeau area from Thursday, January 15 to Monday, January 19.
The weekend will start off with an MLK Birthday Extravaganza on Thursday, Jan. 15, honoring Ashley Gwenae Braxton, Cape Central High School alum. The event will begin at 7 p.m.
Debra Mitchell-Braxton is inviting Cape Public School students to perform at the extravaganza. The committee is looking for musical performers, theatrical performers, oratorical tributes and praise dancers. Email mitchellbraxtond@capetigers.com by Tuesday, Jan. 13 if you are interested.
The MLK Community program will take place at St. James AME Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18. Pastor Ramon Stacy of The Cross Community Church will be the keynote speaker.
Monday, Jan. 19 will begin with the MLK Memorial Breakfast at Shawnee Park Center. Apostle Dr. Adrian Taylor Jr. of Lighthouse United will be the keynote speaker at 8 a.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Prayer For Our Nation will occur at 11:30 a.m.
The MLK Humanitarian Luncheon Benefit is set for noon with Pastor Kyle Pernell of The Free Church as the keynote speaker.
The day will conclude with the Youth Gala Event at the JCPenney Center Ct. at West Park Mall at 4 p.m.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citywide Celebration will sponsor A Humanitarian Day of Giving and Service on Monday, Jan. 19. They ask the community to donate with the following items to support area agencies in need:
- Canned goods
- Non-perishable items
- Toiletries
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Blankets
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- School supplies
The donation sites will be at the Osage Community Center and Shawnee Park Center from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Wide Celebration Committee requests patron sponsorship from individuals, businesses, churches and agencies to fund the events.
If you are interested in being a sponsor, contact Mitchell-Braxton at 573-275-6814 before Saturday, Jan. 10.
Contributions must be received before Saturday, Jan. 17 and should be sent to 1316 Copper Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
Copyright 2026 KFVS. All rights reserved.