Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
CELEBRATION
The Ecumenical Fellowship, Inc.
C/o Pastor Paul Winn, Jr.
315 East 7th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 749-0985
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
From the Chairman and President
of the Ecumenical Fellowship
The Ecumenical Fellowship, Inc., is a non-profit corporation made up of several African American churches in the city of Lawrence. The purpose of the corporation is to promote fellowship among the different congregations and to be an advocate for social justice and the rights for all people in line with the word of God.
After many years of debate in Congress, on November 2, 1983, President Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Following the proclamation, the pastors of the Ecumenical Fellowship wanted to do something in the Lawrence community to commemorate the legacy of this great American and to celebrate the holiday. The pastors wanted to do something that went beyond being a one time event. They felt it was important to remember the civil rights struggle, what had been accomplished, and what still needed to be done.
The first federally recognized King Holiday was on January 20, 1986. For the Ecumenical Fellowship's celebration in Lawrence, the pastors coordinated several events for the inaugural commemoration celebration. On Saturday, January 18, 1986, an afternoon rally was held at Central Junior High School and a banquet was held that evening at the Kansas Union. It was the beginning of what became known as the Lawrence Community MLK Celebration.
The Community has seen many changes since the start of this celebration. As it took time for the King Holiday to be recognized throughout the United States, it took time for the government entities within our community to recognize it. Through the untiring efforts of the leadership of the Ecumenical Fellowship and the wise government leaders; the City of Lawrence, Lawrence School District #497, and the Douglas County Government recognized the holiday and closed their offices in support.
As the celebration has continued through the years, it is now planned by the MLK Planning Committee. The committee consists of diverse volunteers who have a desire to see the fulfillment of Dr. King's dream in the Lawrence community.
Educational Scholarships
The MLK Celebration awards scholarships to deserving minority high school seniors each year. Through the years, about $15,000 in scholarships has been awarded.
Events of the MLK Celebration
Speakers - Have been individuals who worked with Dr. King or were civic
leaders. Some of the speakers were:
Rev. C.T. Vivian (stood before Bull Connor and was beat with billy clubs)
Martin Luther King III (spoke at 5th year celebration)
Susan Taylor (Editor in Chief of Essence Magazine)
Tony Brown (Author and Talk Show host)
Julian Bond (Civil Rights Activist)
Rev. E.V. Hill (well-known Pastor)
Rev. Frederick Samson (pastor)
Dr. Tommie Stewart (Actress-"In the Heat of the Night," professor)
This is not a complete list, because through the years, many outstanding and motivating lectures have been shared teaching about past struggles and giving insights to what still needs to be done.
Music - There has always been music and singing throughout the civil rights journey and music continues to be a great part of the MLK Celebration. The music of this celebration continues to grow and move forward. Adult and children community choirs, come together in January and after a few rehearsals, perform at the Gospel Musical and at the Monday Official Service.
Youth - It has been the desire of the Ecumenical Fellowship to have the youth play a big part in the MLK Celebration. For the past several years, the Lawrence School district has led a district-wide educational program. This event is very important to seeing the future of civil rights and justice for all does not go backwards, but continues to move forward in the love of God almighty.
Banquet - The banquet has been a part of the annual MLK events for many years. This inspiring community event is a tribute to not only a man of great strength and courage, but also to his unique vision that continues to shape each of us and the world in which we live. This banquet pays homage to Dr. King, who possessed great insight and communicated a powerful message about equality and justice.
Dr. King's Dream - Our Dream
The Ecumenical Fellowship and all those who embrace those most sacred and righteous ideals, dream the Lawrence community will remember the past and work in the present to prepare a future for the next generations that will be pleasing to God.
Yours for Community Service,
The Ecumenical Fellowship
