MidCity Excellence honors legacy, MLK Jr. and uplifts local youth at 12th annual ‘Solutions Summit’
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- On a day meant to remember the work, wisdom and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., St. Joseph showed in many ways how his legacy continues to inspire communities.
MidCity Excellence's 12th Annual MLK Jr. 'Solutions Summit' welcomed all to celebrate the life of Dr. King on Monday, including displays of musical talent headlined by the St. Joe Stixx Drumline, YouthCity Gospel Choir and the MidCity Trash Can Band.
Multiple guest speakers ranging from MCE alumni to local leaders also took the stage to read quotes from Dr. King and share their experiences to those in the audience.
Initially setting the attendance goal for 150 people, the gathering saw a total of 160 to 175 people, which exemplified what the programs means along with the work that still lies ahead according to MCE.
"Instead of griping, murmuring and complaining about the issues in life today, we watched the youth run the entire program today. We saw alumni come back to share their experiences and reaffirm how dreams can become reality," MCE CEO Kimberly Warren said. "That's the American dream. We are still going to have challenges, but we can't be intimidated by those challenges. Their are still 40 to 50 students on the waiting list to join the drumline, the afterschool program, the choir and the STEM program. What today shows us is everyone in the community is speaking the same language."
This year also marks 25 years of community impact for MCE, something Warren attributes to building a financial foundation and listening to the youth in the program.
In attendance was MCE alumni and speaker like Tyrese Huskey, an electrician and 8-year U.S. Army veteran currently studying to get his masters degree in electrical engineering at the University of Central Missouri. During his youth, Huskey wasn't always in the best situations and he credited people like Warren for helping him get to where he is now.
"I want the kids here to learn from their mistakes, understand how serious mistakes could cost them their freedom," Huskey said. "MidCity Excellence has brought people together, you can see it with the kids smiling, playing music and helping others. I'm grateful for this program and I'm honored to be able to give a couple words of encouragement. Stay on the right path and keep pushing forward, just like Dr. King said."
Huskey was one of multiple former alumni who spoke at the gathering about their pathway to a successful career. The event also included BBQ catered by local eatery Big Daddy & Sons BBQ.
One goal of the event is to show those in the program how the community continues to support the organization and its mission of making a difference for youth in the community.
