Teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs remember the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his impact on their lives.
Teen Center of Excellence members rally for peace
Boys and Girls Club celebrate MLK Day
Brutally cold temperatures did not stop Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Teen Center of Excellence (BGCSTL TCOE) members from holding their first MLK Day of Service Peace Walk & Rally.
The event Friday, January 12 at BGC Teen Center of Excellence (TCOE) in Ferguson, 9200 W. Florissant Ave., started at 4 p.m. as organizers moved forward with the rally and canceled the walk due to weather. The energy of teens, performers, vendors, and attendees remained high despite the event change.
BGCSTL President Dr. Flint Fowler said, “The event embodies the essence of Dr. Martin Luther King focusing on peace and unity. We have heard so much in the news. Today, teens organized an event encouraging peace while showcasing Boys & Girls Clubs’ pillars of leadership, community engagement, good character, and citizenship. We’re proud of their efforts!”
Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) Keystone Club members are comprised of youth 14 to 18 years of age. A vital goal of the club is engagement and community service. Members integral to organizing the walk and rally, Ismail Botchway and Lailah Green, attended. Ismail, also the 2023-24 Youth of the Year, paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a poem. Lailah served as the host by introducing several guests.
Ferguson police officers, slated to lead walkers, remained at the program and brought greetings to the audience despite the cancellation of the walk. Vendors from Ferguson Municipal Library and MPower shared valuable information with attendees and had tables set up as well.
DJ Da Sho set a party atmosphere with the clean versions of today’s hottest music. Attendees got into the swing of things when popular teen performer and Guest Speaker WhoisArdiumus allowed the youth-filled audience to choose between being educated or going to church. Surprisingly enough, the youth decided to go to church. WhoisArdiumus’ biblical verses and lessons prompted enthusiastic responses of “Amen” and “Preach.”
Other highlights came from local artists Greeze, Justice Key, and KB the Artist. BGC TCOE member Ja’Colbi McKay mesmerized the crowd with his song as he played the ukulele.
The night also featured a few surprise guest appearances. Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie, D-73, and rapper, award–winning journalist, and co-founder of Hands Up United Movement in Ferguson, Tef Poe, stopped by and delivered poignant comments. Audience members did not contain their excitement when it was time for the prizes. Every audience member walked away with a gift.
The program concluded with a tour of the state-of-the-art, 26,856 square feet facility and refreshments.
The event’s success prompted organizers to consider this the first annual MLK Day of Service Peace Rally. A vendor from MPower, Keely Finney, founder/CEO, said, “I hope the teens decide to host this again next year. The rally has allowed us to engage as organizations in the community. It also helps us share information about our services. I am so impressed with the young people here today.”
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. BGCSTL provides after-school, teen, sports, and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State Region while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs serve youth across the region at twelve locations, including (Adams Park Club, Bentwood Townhomes Bethalto Club, Lovejoy Club, Hazelwood Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, O’Fallon Park Club, Riverview Gardens Club, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School Club and the Teen Center of Excellence). We also operate Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Program.
