Additions made to M. L. King program

The program for the 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Jan. 20, in Poplar Bluff, is being updated by the Wheatley Historic Preservation Association executive board.

WHPA member Rex Rattler announced three additions to the schedule. John McCain will pray for the nation and solos by Zabre Burns and Janeece Matlock will be included.

King’s Dream for Our World - Service is the theme for this year’s event, which will begin at 11 a.m. at the historical Wheatley school on Garfield Street.

Keynote speaker will be Mareece Webb of Poplar Bluff. Plans are for Rhonda Kenney of the WHPA executive board to welcome those attending. After Nabre Burns’ solo, prayers will be offered for the city by JoAnn Brandon of Lively Stone Church and for the state by Jeff Carter of Mount Calvary Powerhouse.

Rev. Greg Kirk, executive director of the United Gospel Rescue Mission, will present a tribute and Poplar Bluff Mayor Robert Smith will speak sharing “My Journey.”

Deacon Russell Kennedy of Pleasant Hill Missionary Church will close the program.

Erin Ceesay of the WHPA executive board and the keynote speaker at last year’s event will provide an opportunity for individuals who are not registered to vote to enroll after the program.

Dr. King, born Jan. 15, 1929, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. A Baptist minister and social activist, Dr. King led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death in 1968.