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The Hazelwood City Council recently approved a proclamation declaring the month of February 2010 as "Black History Month" in the City of Hazelwood. The document calls upon all Hazelwood residents to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programs.

A big crowd of local citizens heeded this call to action by attending the 8th annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., held on Sunday, January 17, at Hazelwood's Civic Center East recreation Center. This year's theme was "Uniting Communities: Past, Present and Future."

The program was organized and executed by the Community Enrichment Commission, an organization mandated with the responsibility to promote the arts, beautification, learning, literacy and cultural diversity in the City of Hazelwood.

For the past eight years, the Commission has held a Tribute event for Dr. King with the intent to preserve, enhance and celebrate the community's diversity. The goal is to foster respect, good will and cooperation among varied groups of residents who live in Hazelwood.

Miss Hazelwood 2009-2010 Rachel Robin was the program emcee and assisted Florence Gillespie with the introductions and opening remarks. Guest speakers included Mayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, State Representative Margo McNeil, and Board of Education president Cozy Marks, III, of the Normandy School District.

Music for the evening was performed by the Crossroads Preparatory School Jazz Band. In addition, Hazelwood West High School graduate Gustavo Perez amazed everyone in the audience with his opera-style voice as he sang "Steal Away" and "Going Home."

The program ended with a memorial candlelighting ceremony led by Marks. Everyone was asked to reflect upon Dr. MLK's legacy and the importance of building connectivity with people around them. Refreshments were served afterwards.