By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – A celebration of Barack Obama's inauguration is part of the main Martin Luther King Day observance Monday in St. Louis.
The activities start at 10 a.m. at the Old Court House. A march to Powell Symphony Hall will follow, where an interfaith service is scheduled for 12:30.
Organizer Nigel Word said the inauguration of the nation's first African American president Tuesday gives the King Day observance added significance.
While expectations have never been higher for a new president, Word said Mr. Obama has yet to be tested.
"President-elect Barack Obama has made a tremendous accomplishment within this country," Word said. "But the jury is still out. Life will continue with him.
Other observances in the area include a celebration at Washington University's Graham Chapel that begins at 7 p.m.
At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Sister Antona Ebo will talk about her participation in the freedom march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama in 1965. That begins at 10 a.m. at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis will hold a commemorative Mass in honor of Dr. King at at 2.30 at the Cathedral Basilica.
From noon to 2 p.m. at Martin Luther King and Union Boulevards, the second annual King Day block clean up will take place. Organizers are providing the gloves and trash bags.