The Springfield Branch of the NAACP invites the public to join in the march, “Creating the Beloved Community,” honoring the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   

Kai Sutton states, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words are the inspiration for this year’s march, “Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”

The doors open at Jordan Valley Ice Park at 8:00 AM and the March will begin promptly at 9:00 AM.  The March will travel over the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge to Park Central Square.  The program will take place upon completion of the march.  A COVID vaccination clinic at Pitts Chapel will follow the event.

This year the NAACP will be collecting socks, coats, and gloves for the unsheltered at the Ice Park and on the Square.  Cash donations for the purchase of these items will also be accepted.

Those who are not planning to march may gather at the square to welcome the marchers.

The MLK Celebration Choir, directed by Robert T. Gibson, will perform as the marchers arrive and during the program.

The winners of the Springfield Public School Martin Luther King essay contest will be announced.

Masking and social distancing are required.