MLK events rescheduled for Saturday

Historic Wheatley School stands behind the the Garfield Historic District marker installed in June 2023.

DAR file photo/Samantha Tucker

The Poplar Bluff’s 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Program has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Historic Wheatley School, 921 Garfield St.

Originally planned for the national holiday, Jan. 15, the event was postponed by organizers because of weather.

“Living the Dream: It Starts with Me — Spreading Hope, Courage and Unity” is the theme, said Erin Ceesay, chair of this year’s event.

Guest speaker will be Sheila Sotolongo of Jonesboro, Arkansas. A retired flight attendant, Sotolongo lived in Poplar Bluff as a youth. Since that time, she’s lived across the country, spending time in California, New York, Illinois and Georgia.

With her job, Sotolongo also has visited several countries. She will be introduced by Sydney Davis. The Rev. Ronald McCain, the Wheatley Historical Preservation Association chaplain, will offer prayers for the city, state and nation, as well as a closing prayer.

Community leader Kathern Harris stressed the public is invited to attend the program.

The Pledge of Allegiance will be lead by the Poplar Bluff High School JROTC.

Denzell Williams will be the vocalist. Jonari Kimbrough will present the scripture. Carolyn Marshall and Harris will welcome the group. Marshall is the WHPA secretary and Harris is in charge of the Succeeding in School program.

Refreshments will be served after the program.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national holiday dedicated to remembering the life and legacy of a civil rights icon. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress America has made in creating racial equality, as well as the continued effort to fight for peace and justice. The day also encourages people to participate in events, marches and rallies to show their commitment to the cause.

Ceesay is the quality programs specialist for the Missouri Department of Mental Health at the Poplar Bluff Satellite Office.

Ceesay’s committee includes Harris, Marshall and Rex Rattler.

Wheatley School was listed on the National Register in 1998 and is part of the Garfield Historic District. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. The district represents the area where Black Americans settled early in Poplar Bluff’s history and formed a community.