The local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Friday will host a city-wide prayer vigil.

The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the St. James A.M.E. Church at 516 North Street. The Rev. Leoma Leigh Crawford, who also is chairman of the NAACP housing committee, is the host pastor.

Several speakers from the Kansas City and St. Louis areas will participate in the prayer service, in addition to local musical talent.

Ronald Finley, an attorney and city councilman from Kansas City, is the main speaker. Finley is past president of the Kansas City NAACP. He also serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including Operation Push, Harmony in a World of Difference, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the American Cancer Society.

The public is encouraged to attend the service, said Michael Sterling, chairman of the Cape Girardeau branch of the NAACP.