Gordon Parks Museum honors MLK with moving celebration

FORT SCOTT, Kan. — The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott is celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University students joined together to read the famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

It's a moving tribute to one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s.

A way to honor King on his birthday, complete with a meal and birthday cake.

"This is so important to me because not everyone gets this experience. It's important for me to be here today to embrace my culture and do something that you don't do everyday," said Jasmin Russaw, FSCC freshman.

"We are partial to the contribution of Gordon Parks just because of the connection here, but we always try to indicate Gordon Parks is one of many individuals who changed the world. So, yeah, it makes sense to honor two great Black men on the same day," said Jane Campbell, Gordon Parks Museum board president.

Events at the Gordon Parks Museum will wrap up Monday on Martin Luther King, Junior Day, with a showing of the film "Martin" at 10:30 that morning - which is a ballet tribute film directed by Gordon Parks.

A speaker presentation will be held at noon, with lunch provided.

And finally, a non-perishable food drive will also take place that day, from 9 to 2 at the museum for the Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott.