Local History

The Watkins Brothers Memorial Chapel, Warren R. Watkins Jr. is proud to say, is the oldest continuously operating black-owned business in Missouri. He is the third-generation Watkins to run the funeral parlor, which opened its doors in 1909. During this 100th year, the Watkins family will celebrate with a rededication ceremony today at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (3700 Blue Parkway). Watkins has invited a special guest speaker: Julius Garvey, the youngest son of Marcus Garvey, who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914. Garvey “started a movement of black businesses,” says Watkins, who plans to honor Garvey and the senior citizens in attendance, some of whom knew the funeral home’s founders, Theron and John Watkins. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Call the chapel at 816-861-3030 for more information.

Sat., June 13, 2 p.m., 2009