The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Dinner brought members of the community together for food and speeches Jan. 25. The dinner is presented by the Kirksville City Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee.
The dinner included a welcome speech by Stephanie McGraw and a keynote speech by Dr. John Gardner, both from ATSU. Gardner was the recipient of The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri 2024 Distinguished Community Service Award.
“I think that the most beautiful way to bond with people is over a nice meal,” said Vanessa Alexander, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion director.
The dinner was one of many events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and Black history. There was a showing of “A Woman King” Jan. 19 along with a seminar and brunch in the same week.
Junior Khia Ingerm said this was the first Martin Luther King Jr. Community dinner she has attended. She heard about the event through the CDI newsletter.
“I’m just looking forward to having more events and more discussion [throughout Black History Month],” Ingerm said.
The Black History Mobile Museum is coming to Truman Feb. 1 as a part of the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series. It will include a lecture from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Recording Artist Professor Griff.
The CDI is also planning a Juneteenth event over summer.