Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Announces 2024 Family Reunion Weekend

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) will host its inaugural 2024 Family Reunion Weekend celebration on Sept. 7-8, at its Community Center.

“The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services 2024 Family Reunion celebrates the historic, deep commitments and investments in the lives and futures of Springfield residents,” said Dr. Frank Robinson, 2024 MLKFS Family Reunion committee chair. “We also celebrate its new president and CEO, Shannon Rudder, and her bold vision for the future of MLKFS. In the spirit of family, she invites us all to join hands in continuing the legacy of service, unity, and empowerment that has defined this organization. Together, we can build on the foundation laid by those who came before us, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.”

A FamilyFun Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will enjoy food from local vendors; invited to take Community Center tours; participate in spades, Scrabble, dominoes, and chess tournaments; and enjoy karaoke, family relay games, face painting, and an opportunity to share and archive their MLKFS legacy story.

Fellowship & Worship will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. There is no MLKFS without the vision of Project Mustard Seed, and attendees will gather in that spirit and tradition with a worship service under the leadership the Rev. Terrlyn Curry Avery, pastor of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church, welcoming the Rev. Ronald Peters, Project Mustard Seed visionary leader. This celebration will also feature a MLK Community Choir under the direction of Elder Terrence Haynes, accompanied by Terrence Schider.

“Our fellowship is powerful,” Rudder said. “Together, we will gather to honor our ancestorial legacy leaders, the many who make up the fabric of MLKFS in our region, and the dreamers who are investing in the vision forward.”

For event details and to pre-register, click here.