Weather affects center’s annual MLK celebration

PARKERSBURG - Icy roads and snow kept many children away from the Parkersburg Art Center's annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations Monday.

The Parkersburg Art Center held a celebration of King's birthday in the morning with only seven children, age 10 or younger, in attendance to participate in games, learn the history of slavery and make arts and crafts.

"We were hoping for about 100 kids, but with the weather, we are not surprised with the small crowd," said Bettie Lucas with Family and Community Education Association.

The children who did participate were treated to a small skit by Parkersburg City Council President Sharyn Tallman and her son Christian Tallman as well as a presentation by local historian Henry Burke.

Crafts the children made included no sew lap blankets and inspirational cards to be sent to nursing homes and to troops overseas.

"All over the country, people are getting together to do service projects and helping others today in the memory of Dr. King," said Wendy Tuck, executive director of the Volunteer Action Center of the Mid-Ohio Valley. "These projects are our way of doing something for others."

Regina Robinson of Parkersburg brought her granddaughter Tierra Tillman, 10, to the event to help her learn about the history of King.

"I want her to be aware of what has happened before her," Robinson said. "I want her to learn her history."

Tallman, who represented the city for Mayor Bob Newell who was in Charleston for Gov. Joe Manchin's inauguration, explained what it means for Parkersburg to be an inclusive community, as the signs state.

"We want to make sure that people understand Parkersburg welcomes and includes all people, no matter what kind of background they have or who they are," Tallman said. "We must work together to accommodate all people and unite people by sharing love and kindness."

Burke talked about the history of the African slave trade, complete with a presentation with historic photos and maps.

"While we are talking about what (President-elect Barack) Obama will do as president, it is a good time to point out that the White House and much of Washington, D.C., was built by slave labor," Burke said.

Burke also said that while the assassination of King was a tragedy that pushed the Civil Rights Movement further, it made the largest stride with Obama's electoral win.

"It took a long time and a lot of people died to get us where we are today," he said.

The event was sponsored by the West Virginia Family and Community Education, the Volunteer Action Center and the Parkersburg Art Center.

"All of the activities are to teach people the fun of respect and fairness," Tuck said.