Fifty years after the untimely death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the community of Poplar Bluff will come together and celebrate the love and service he provided to others.
The Committee of Concerned Citizens of Poplar Bluff and Wheatley Historical Preservation Association will host the 32nd Annual Community Celebration beginning at 11 a.m. Monday at Wheatley School, located at 921 Garfield St.
"The dream he had is something we should not let die and allow it to become a reality," Concerned Citizen member Rex Rattler said.
The theme of this year's celebration is "What are you doing for others," which Rattler said focuses on service.
"He stood for love and provided service for others," he said. "Those are things we can do. We not only should continue, but we can continue those things."
The event is scheduled to include area ministers, juniors and seniors from Poplar Bluff High School providing tributes to King and music from Ashley Matlock. Anthony Harris is also scheduled to lead the community choir.
The keynote speaker for the celebration will be Gerald Davis, a consultant for Mingo Job Corps.
Vernestine Bounds Kennedy, member of the Concerned Citizens Group and co-chair of the WHPA Advisory Board, said a prayer for the city, state and nation will begin the program as done each year.
"The theme this year, 'What are you doing for others,' is a question to look at and for each individual to ask themselves," she said.
Rattler invites the entire area and said he would love to see an outpouring of the community at the event.
Bounds Kennedy said she is looking forward to everyone coming together for the event, especially the youth of the area.
"Dr. King's life was such an impact on us and was a demonstration of love," Rattler said.