Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Continue to main contentSince 1986, America has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through observances that teach, excite, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
From 1986-2005, Southeast Missouri State University held a memorial breakfast to honor Dr. King. In 2006, King's eldest son, Martin Luther King III, was invited to be the keynote speaker for the first campus celebration dinner. The 2006 dinner initiated a new tradition that continues to garner growing involvement by students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and community members from the southeast Missouri region and beyond.
Power of Education and the Value of Community
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- University Center Ballroom
- Program begins at 6 p.m.
About the Speaker: Adrian Taylor, Jr., Th.D.
Adrian Taylor, Jr., is the founding Pastor of Lighthouse United Church - a multicultural, multi-generational, non-denominational church based in Cape Girardeau, MO. With a clear focus to bring unity among scattered people, Pastor Taylor boldly proclaims the Word of God to win souls and build mature Believers in Christ. Taylor is a skilled Strategist and speaker who is sought after to provide counsel and insight on subjects like leadership, grief, team building, race relations, and spirituality.
Adrian and his wife LaKenya teach practical wisdom that challenges people to grow past their pain and conquer fear. Taylor has earned his Doctorate and Masters in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology, and he serves as chaplain to both the men's and women's basketball teams at Southeast Missouri State University. Taylor is a licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor, and he serves as the Chaplain for the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change.
Adrian Taylor, Jr. is an Ordained and Internationally recognized Apostle and Pastor. He is affiliated with Bethel Family Worship Center for Durham, North Carolina, under the leadership of his Spiritual Father, Bishop George G. Bloomer. Under the Leadership of the Late Chief Apostle William Bird, Sr., Taylor served as the Vice-Chief Apostle of the "Coalition of Interdependent Apostles," based in Cape Girardeau, MO. Taylor served two terms as the first African American President of the Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance.
An author of multiple books, Taylor leads a global fellowship of like-minded churches and ministries that have joined together in partnership to train leaders, strengthen, and plant churches and strategically evangelize the nations of the earth through Missions and Humanitarian projects.
Adrian and LaKenya have been married for 25 years and currently reside in Jackson, MO. They are the proud parents of one adult son, Joshua.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701