Reflections and Announcements for the Return to Sunset

Reflections and Announcements for the Return to Sunset

By Mark Wiggins - August 21, 2025

Good day. My name is Mark Wiggins, and many of you in this audience know me. I want to share a few words about the upcoming Labor Day weekend event—the Return to Sunset. This celebration, held for many years in the Sikeston, Missouri area, offers both excitement and anticipation. I believe this event has the potential to grow and positively impact our community for years to come, if we approach it thoughtfully.

History and Community Involvement

As some of you may recall, I helped organize the 100th Centennial Anniversary of Sunset here in Sikeston. In doing so, I worked with organizations such as the Daughters of Sunset, the West End Betterment Association, the NAACP, the Return to Sunset Committee, Generations of Sunset, SSOLT and local churches. Sunset is a small, close-knit African American community in the Bootheel of southeast Missouri, and it fills me with pride to see us create an event of this magnitude on a national holiday, entirely from our own initiative.

The Importance of Unity and Forward Thinking

However, I have noticed some challenges. In recent years, the original Return to Sunset Committee—the founding group behind this event—has become less visible. My goal remains to unite all organizations and individuals, connecting our strengths and fostering collective commitment without overwhelming personal obligations.

We must embrace loyalty and commitment, not just when we face injustice, but also proactively to build and teach from our collective knowledge. As the leader of the Sunset Society of Logical Thinkers, I strive to provoke thought and discussion across our community, encouraging us to overcome generational challenges and dependency by working together.

Bridging Generational Gaps

There is a recurring belief that our youth aren’t listening, but in truth, it is often adults who aren’t communicating effectively or adapting to new realities. Young people today grow up in a world shaped by technology, learning rapidly from the Internet and media. If our elders aren’t open to new ideas and tools, they can’t provide the guidance our youth need to succeed.

We must be willing to learn from each other, especially in the realm of technology. True leadership requires humility and the ability to listen, just as we expect our youth to do. If we do this, we can keep up with a fast-changing world and remain relevant as guides and mentors.

Overcoming Division for Collective Progress

Our community is rich with knowledgeable individuals and organizations, but sometimes we let group loyalties and different ideologies create unnecessary separation. If we focus on open discussion and collective problem-solving, we can develop shared solutions and a common mission statement that serves the African American community locally and beyond.

Event Announcements and Involvement

I am excited for this year’s Return to Sunset weekend. Valerie Longstreet and her organization, Sunset in the Hood, along with other groups such as the Generation of the Sunset group, the West End Betterment Association, the NAACP, Daughters of Sunset, and various churches, are all contributing to the success of the event.

The NAACP will be present with booths and is seeking to recruit 25 young people to take on leadership roles. The Return to Sunset Committee will be sponsoring a parade in collaboration with the city, and several groups will host activities at Lincoln Park, including meet-and-greets and free photographs for families. Vendors and organizations will offer food and information about their services, and all are encouraged to support one another.

Encouragement and Final Thoughts

To the young people: Cherish family moments, such as taking pictures with your parents, and participate in the festivities. To the broader community: Let us work together, support each other, and continue to build upon the tradition of this celebration.

If you have questions about the events, feel free to contact me, Brother Mark, or reach out to other group members. Special thanks to Mr. Williams of Urban News for his support of our community. Let’s move forward, united and proud—honoring our 102 years of history and looking ahead to greater achievements together.

Thank you for your time, support, and commitment. God bless America and all African Americans who continue to strive and celebrate together.