Led by members of the Springfield branch of the NAACP, the January 2023 march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. begins on E. Trafficway Street. Due to the extreme weather, the 2024 MLK March has been canceled. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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The NAACP Springfield Executive Board has announced the cancellation of the Monday, Jan. 15 March and multicultural program “due to severe weather and hazardous conditions.”

In an announcement Jan. 14, the NAACP stated: “We understand there are mixed perspectives and personal self-interests as to why we should carry on with the event.” However, the board cited “great concern for the safety and well-being of everyone.”

Morning temperatures were below zero with wind chills in the range of 10 to 20 below zero. The forecast high for the day is 10 degrees.

The NAACP said it encouraged people to celebrate the day, including posting pictures of past MLK events on social media, or to listen online to MLK speeches.