[Press Release] : Citizens will celebrate, rededicate King Memorial

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Leigh Nutter, coordinator, Office of Volunteer Services -
(573) 874-7504 

Citizens will celebrate, rededicate King Memorial

COLUMBIA, MO (August 23, 2006) -- The public is invited to celebrate
the rededication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle
Garden on Monday, Aug. 28, the 43rd anniversary of Dr. King’s “I
Have a Dream” speech. Open-air ceremonies start at 6 p.m. at the
memorial, located at the entrance to the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail,
800 S. Stadium Boulevard, and will conclude by 7 p.m.

Completed in 1993, improper drainage damaged the original blue tiles
covering the steps of the memorial’s amphitheater, making it
unsightly. Now that it has been restored through a community effort,
citizens will be able to enjoy the memorial and enhanced grounds.

Monday’s celebration will include inspirational music, shared
remembrances and a dramatization of one of Dr. King’s speeches by Dr.
Clyde L. Ruffin, senior pastor at Columbia’s Second Missionary Baptist
Church. Other featured participants include: 
* Children’s choirs from Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and
Second Missionary Baptist Church, directed by Rev. Myra Drummond-Lewis
and Mrs. Helen Warren;
* Shelter Insurance Companies executive and former Missouri Senator
Joe Moseley, master of ceremonies;
* Rev. Carolus Taylor, moderator, Mt. Carmel District Baptist
Association;
* City of Columbia Fire Department Honor Guard;
* University of Missouri student soloist Kyle Stegall; 
* Soloist Celestine Guyton Hayes, Columbia Public Schools; 
* 2nd Ward City Councilman Chris Janku;
* Former Columbia Mayor Mary Anne McCollum;
* University of Missouri Professor Emeritus, Dr. Arvarh Strickland; 
* Mary Ratliff, state president, National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People; 
* Jake Otto, on behalf of Missouri Senator Kit Bond;
* Restoration Committee Co-Chairs Eliot Battle and Susan Stalcup
Gray; and
* Rev. Jim Bryan, pastor, Missouri United Methodist Church.

Refreshments will be served following the program. Limited parking is
available at the memorial, and a shuttle will be provided from A.L.
Gustin Golf Course. The event will be held, rain or shine, and attendees
may bring blankets or lawn chairs. For more information, call (573)
874-7504.

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