Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute to Feature Keynote Speaker Martin Luther King III

by Jeanette Grider

Jeanette Grider
Senior Media Relations Specialist
jgrider1@slu.edu
314-977-2538

Reserved for members of the media.

Saint Louis University and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, in partnership with Ameren Missouri, will host its seventh annual memorial tribute honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Wool Ballroom of SLU's Busch Student Center, 20 N. Grand Blvd. The event begins with a breakfast at 8 a.m. and continues with the program starting at 9 a.m.

Martin Luther King III is the son of the legendary Civil Rights leader and a human rights activist in his own right.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event will be American human rights advocate and community activist Martin Luther King III.

As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is carrying the torch lit by both of his parents into the 21^st century. His dedication to creating and implementing strategic nonviolent action to rid the work of social, political and economic injustice has propelled him to the forefront as one of the nation’s most ardent advocates for the poor, the oppressed and the disillusioned.

Learn more about Martin Luther King III.

The program also will include a welcome by Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., president of Saint Louis University and prayers by Father Christopher Collins S.J., assistant to the president for mission and identity.

SLU alumnus Michael McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, will emcee the program and join Dr. Pestello and Dr. Jonathan Smith, SLU’s vice president of diversity and community engagement, to present this year’s awards.

Longest Voter in the St. Louis Region: Frances Mae Shelby, political and civic activist who has never missed voting in an election in 75 years

Saint Louis University Community Service Award: Kayla Reed, community activist and civic organizer

Donald Brennan Humanitarian Award: Dr. Mona Hicks, associate vice president and dean of students at Saint Louis University

African American Political Leadership Award: St. Louis City Board of Aldermen and St. Louis City and Country Elected Officials

Reservations for the event are full however an overflow room is available for those who have not registered.