Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world. His vision for an equitable society in his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech still resonates today.
This year, the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated nationally on January 20, 2020. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s emphasis on education, racial equality and peace motivate hundreds of thousands of Americans to serve their community on this special day. Taking place every third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday that is a day of service — a “day on, not a day off.”
Arlington is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. This MLK Day, members of the community are coming together to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. while celebrating the city’s rich diversity. The City of Arlington, the Arlington ISD, Tarrant Country College, the Arlington Ministerial Association and the University of Texas at Arlington are hosting “Advancing the Dream: Diversity in Action,” a four-day celebration.
“ADVANCING THE DREAM” AWARDS BANQUET – The MLK “Advancing The Dream” Awards Banquet is January 17, 2020, at 6:00 pm. Meet the 2020 MLK Advancing the Dream Community Award Honorees and recipients, and essay, art and collegiate scholarship recipients. This event, held at UT-Arlington’s Bluebonnet Ballroom, also includes dinner, special tributes and musical performances with nationally known keynote speaker Dr. Yusef Salaam. Tickets: $65 and can be purchased at www.UTATickets.com or the UTA Box Office at 600 S. Center Street in Arlington.
STEP SHOW COMPETITION – The MLK Step Show competition is 11:00 am January 18, 2020, at Bowie High School. Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with the best in elementary, junior high and high school stepping performances. Tickets: Admission: $10 at the door, $5 for elementary students and children under 5.
POETRY MEETS JAZZ – The Poetry Meets Jazz event is 7:00 pm January 18, 2020, at the University of Texas at Arlington. Explore jazz and poetry through an evening of nostalgic jazz and inspiring poetry hosted by Verb Kulture with a musical performance by the Dave Whiteman Band.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR./ HUBERT MOSS ECUMENICAL SERVICE – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./ Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service is 6:00 pm January 19, 2020, at First Baptist Arlington. For nearly three decades, this service continues to evoke the memories of two servants of the church. One served as a global leader for justice and peace and the other served his community. In this spirit of cooperation, this service is a shared ecumenical experience for all. Keynote speaker is Dr. Melvin Brown, lecturer for the National Baptist Congress and pastor of Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
ZEB STRONG JR MLK DAY OF SERVICE – The ZEB Strong JR MLK Day of Service January 20, 2020, at 9:00 am. People of all ages from service organizations, schools, fraternities, sororities and churches work together to make a positive impact on the community around them. Volunteers gather at Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex for tools, supplies and assignments. The first 500 volunteers will receive a free MLK commemorative t-shirt.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE FESTIVAL – The MLK Day of Service is 10:00 am – 2:00 pm January 20, 2020, at City Center Plaza – 100 S. Center Street, between Arlington City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Central Library. The celebration includes Tarrant County College’s MLK Historical Timeline, entertainment with live performances and storytelling, food trucks, music and face painting. The MLK Art Contest winners and MLK Essay Contest winners will join the event. The festival is free to attend.
MLK YOUTH MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA – The MLK Youth Musical Extravaganza is 4:00 pm January 20, 2020, at Metro Center, Fielder Church, 2011 S. Fielder Road. On the Dr. King holiday, hundreds of youth voices join together in song as the Arlington, Texas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir. This youth musical extravaganza also features students in dancing, drumming and exciting performances from the winners of the MLK Advancing the Dream Step Competition. Admission is free.
CLICK HERE to learn more about “Advancing the Dream: Diversity in Action”.
The American dream is a belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can work hard and create a better life for themselves and their family. This idea connects to the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., who believed all people, regardless of their race, should have the same opportunities. We are lucky to be a part of Arlington, the American Dream City. Our city, educational institutions and businesses create opportunities to make the American dream attainable for all.