STLCC-Florissant Valley and NCCU’s 2025 Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration
Monday, January 13, 2025
FERGUSON (Jan. 9, 2025) – St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North
County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will host their annual Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 21.
This in-person event will include inspiring speeches, celebrate excellence in the
community with a formal award presentation and more.
Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments during the reception along with students’
art, music and poetry from 5-6 p.m. in the Terry M. Fischer Theatre lobby, located at 3400 Pershall Road. The program follows from 6-7:30 p.m.
D’Andre Braddix, EdD, chief engagement officer at St. Louis Community College, will
speak on the celebration’s theme, “Don’t Give up on the Dream!”
Braddix is responsible for advancing STLCC’s mission, vision and values through strategic
engagement within the College and broader community. He is chair of the board directors
of Citizens for Modern Transit, a nonprofit advocacy organization that helps ensure
the St. Louis region has access to a safe, convenient and affordable public transportation
system. He is also co-chair of Missouri’s Postsecondary Equity Network, a coalition
of more than 20 higher education institutions and community partners that work to
eliminate equity gaps in degree completion for low-income students and students of
color.
“My keynote will reflect on Dr. King's unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity
and the ongoing relevance of his vision for justice, equity and unity in today’s world,”
Braddix said.
“Join us to honor Dr. King’s legacy, renew our commitment to his dream and find inspiration
to persevere in building a more just and inclusive society.”
The late Dr. Rance Thomas was a beloved community member who made numerous contributions to north St. Louis County. He worked with his organization, North County Churches United for Racial Harmony and Justice, to support the MLK event each year.
This year, Navigate Building Solutions is being honored with the 2025 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership
Award.
"As construction manager for STLCC-Florissant Valley’s striking new buildings – the
Advanced Manufacturing Center and the Nursing and Health Sciences Center – Navigate Building Solutions is a valuable College partner that is bringing dynamic
learning spaces to students who come to us for educational pathways to high wage careers,”
said Jeff L. Pittman, PhD, chancellor of St. Louis Community College.
“We anticipate the spaces’ completion this winter and are pleased to present Navigate
with this award and recognize its commitment to the College and the north St. Louis
County community.”
The contingency date for the celebration, should the College close due to inclement
weather, is Thursday, Jan. 30 on the same time schedule.