The 2023 KC MLK Recruiting Combine, in partnership with the Heart of America Region and the 2023 KC Martin Luther King Tournament, will be held on January 13th at the Kansas City Convention Center (Hall D) and is open to any 8th grade and high school age player, regardless if they are participating in the KC MLK Tournament or not.

Schedule of Events

January 14, 2023

10:00-11:00am: Youth Activism Workshop (recommended for ages 12-18) at AT&T Multipurpose Room
Youth will explore and analyze primary sources to gain a greater understanding of the history of the civil rights movement. Then, using their own experiences and analyzing historical examples of justice and injustice, young people will question, explain, elaborate, and interpret their concepts of societal justice. Youth are also invited to join a special open dialogue facilitated by Tabari Coleman after the workshop, where they can talk freely with one another about their thoughts on race and activism.

10:15-11:00am: Step into the Story with the STL Black Authors of Children's Literature at Lee Auditorium
The St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature will present a storytelling performance along with original spoken-word affirmations and life-affirming music by DJ KP da Kid. Stick around until the end for a special children's book giveaway generously provided by Ready Readers.

10:30am-2:00pm: Make-and-Takes and Black History Scavenger Hunt at Grand Hall tables
Drop in anytime! Families can make advocacy-inspired crafts and go on a self-guided scavenger hunt through the galleries.

11:15am-12:15pm: Youth Activism Workshop (recommended for ages 6-12) at AT&T Multipurpose Room
Kids will explore the broader context of the civil rights movement through a variety of primary sources and evaluate how activists communicate their messages through images and words. Then they will identify and explain issues they care about by creating a poster that advocates for their views. Caregivers are invited to join us after the workshop for an open dialogue on race and parenting facilitated by Tabari Coleman. The conversation will address how we can process and talk about current events and race-related issues with our children.

1:00-1:45pm and 2:30-3:15pm: MLK Movement Workshop with Mama Lisa at AT&T Multipurpose Room
Learn about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and those who have fought for civil rights through a special workshop that incorporates music, movement, and storytelling. Celebrate the achievements of Dr. King on a story-dance journey with Mama Lisa. Children will learn about segregation and the effect it had on young Martin King.

January 15, 2023

2:00-3:30pm: Keynote Lecture at Lee Auditorium
The King Center's theme for 2023 King Holiday is It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems. Join Lynne M. Jackson to hear inspiring words about her family's legacy and reconciliation, and learn ways to break the generational cycles of injustices through our shared histories. Jackson is the president and founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation (DSHF) and is the great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott. Founded in 2006, the DSHF's goal is to promote the commemoration, education, and reconciliation of our histories. Featured musical guests include Sumner High School students.

4:00-5:00pm: Gospel Yoga at Grand Hall
Continue the MLK Community Celebration with gospel yoga in the Grand Hall led by The Collective STL and accompanied by a gospel ensemble of raised voices for inspiration. Bring your yoga mat, friends, and families. All ages and abilities are welcome.

January 16, 2023

10:00-11:00am: Youth Activism Workshop (recommended for ages 12-18) at AT&T Multipurpose Room
Youth will explore and analyze primary sources to gain a greater understanding of the history of the civil rights movement. Then, using their own experiences and analyzing historical examples of justice and injustice, young people will question, explain, elaborate, and interpret their concepts of societal justice. Youth are also invited to join a special open dialogue facilitated by Tabari Coleman after the workshop, where they can talk freely with one another about their thoughts on race and activism.

10:15-11:00am: Step into the Story with the STL Black Authors of Children's Literature at Lee Auditorium
The St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature will present a storytelling performance along with original spoken-word affirmations and life-affirming music by DJ KP da Kid. Stick around until the end for a special children's book giveaway generously provided by Ready Readers.

10:30am-2:00pm: Make-and-Takes and Black History Scavenger Hunt at Grand Hall tables
Drop in anytime! Families can make advocacy-inspired crafts and go on a self-guided scavenger hunt through the galleries.

11:15am-12:15pm: Youth Activism Workshop (recommended for ages 6-12) at AT&T Multipurpose Room
Kids will explore the broader context of the civil rights movement through a variety of primary sources and evaluate how activists communicate their messages through images and words. Then they will identify and explain issues they care about by creating a poster that advocates for their views. Caregivers are invited to join us after the workshop for an open dialogue on race and parenting facilitated by Tabari Coleman. The conversation will address how we can process and talk about current events and race-related issues with our children.

1:00-1:45pm and 2:30-3:15pm: MLK Movement Workshop with Mama Lisa at AT&T Multipurpose Room
Learn about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and those who have fought for civil rights through a special workshop that incorporates music, movement, and storytelling. Celebrate the achievements of Dr. King on a story-dance journey with Mama Lisa. Children will learn about segregation and the effect it had on young Martin King.

Date: January 14-16, 2023

Time:
January 14, 2023 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
January 15, 2023 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
January 16, 2023 from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Location:
Missouri History Museum,
5700 Lindell Boulevard,
Saint Louis, MO 63112.

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