The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Community Celebration is coming to Independence this weekend.

 

Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says that the Independence Diversity Task Force began organizing events to promote community acceptance and respect back in 2008.

 

The celebration will include a free soup luncheon at 2 p.m. as well as an adress from featured speaker Mark Dupree, and musical performances from Independence Community College Chorale, the Independence High School and Community Jazz Band, and the Memorial Community Choir. 

 

The Dr. King celebration will also include a Food Fight, where local schools and community members compete to donate and collect non-perishable food items for the Independence Food Basket. 

 

Diversity Task Force member Kathy Shepard says that a Spirit of Unity award will also be given to a local community member who went above and beyond to represent the values of inclusion and service.

 

This event has historically brought the best of community and comradery on display in the Independence and Southeast Kansas community. Diversity Task Force member Charles Barker says he's just happy to be a part of it.

 

The celebration begins with the soup luncheon at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Community Room of Independence High School. The ceremony and corresponding events will begin at 3 p.m. in the high school performing arts center.