Outside MLK event Monday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Poplar Bluff will be observed differently this year.

COVID-19 and the winter weather have influenced organizers to plan a drive-up program Monday at Wheatley Park, an outside venue located by the historic Wheatley School, said Rex Rattler, a concerned citizen and member of the Wheatley Historic Preservation Association.

The local event has taken different forms during the approximately 35 years the community has honored the late Dr. King.

The event will start at 11 a.m. The theme is “A Day of Service: Learn, Serve and Celebrate in Your Community.”

Attendees are asked to enter the park on Garfield Street by the historic Wheatley School and exit onto Benton Street.

Speakers will use the park’s pavilion, and those attending may remain in their cars.

WHPA President Rhonda Kennedy wants to “remind everyone to stay safely in their cars, not to mix and mingle in large clusters, and to show love and compassion for our neighbors, friends and family members.”

Kennedy said, “It is most important at this time in our national history to remember the words of a strong leader, ‘Hatred paralyzes life, Love releases it. Hatred confuses life, Love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life, Love illuminates it. Only love can drive out hate.

“Love, Martin said, is the key to all our problems,” Kennedy said. “Love everyone, even your enemies. Until we learn to love each other, we will forever live in a world full of strife, darkness and trouble. Love is the solution. That is what we will be celebrating on this year’s MLK Day.”

Rattler said, the speakers will be standing under the pavilion and talking to the audience. People are invited to drive their cars for the outside service. There will be someone to help with the parking.

“It’s important as a community for us to celebrate, to never forget the sacrifices that were made for the freedoms that we currently enjoy,” Rattler said. “Especially during the transitionary period that we’re having now.

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal.”

The welcome will be given by Kennedy.

This year, Rattler said, the prayers for the city, state, nation and the scriptures will be offered by one presenter, the Rev. Ronnie McCain. The pastor at Central Baptist Church, McCain will give the keynote address.

Emily Wolpers of Poplar Bluff will give the tribute to Dr. King. Wolpers is president of the Historical Preservation Commission. She and her family are long-time supporters of community betterment activities.

Rattler said, “we’ll sing one of the anthems, probably the Negro National Anthem. Then, we’ll close with the song “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder.”

King was a baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.