Author: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center

2024 Volunteer Appreciation (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events ,

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch/ Mix & Mingle in celebration of the volunteers who have graciously supported the center throughout the year.

Attendees enjoyed a short program hosted by the MLK Administrative Staff, a catered brunch served by the MLK Advisory Board, and received special gifts along with a certificate of appreciation for their support and commitment to the center.

April is National Volunteer Month and it is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month.

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MLK Remembrance Ceremony (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the MLK, Jr. Community Center hosted the 10th annual MLK Remembrance Ceremony, remembering the life and legacy of Dr. King on the 56th anniversary of his death. 
 
Special guests included Keynote Speaker Dr. Maria Dixon Hall (SMU); Mistress of Ceremony Candace Wicks (District 3); James Madison High School JROTC; and vocalist Lauren Cooper Mosely.
 
Community partners included HELP, LIRA, Empowering the Masses, and SubroSmart.

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MLK Spring Egg-Stravaganza (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events , ,

On Thursday, March 28, the MLK, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual MLK Spring Egg-Stravaganza, an annual egg hunt for the children in MLK ChildCareGroup and free food and giveaways for the community.

Community partners included the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Dallas Park & Recreation, HELP, LIRA, Empowering the Masses, Miles of Freedom, First Choice Social Services, Office of Community Care Caseworkers, MLK, Jr. Branch Library, Turner 12, Uplift Education, and EverOn.

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2024 Taste of Soul (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events ,

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, the MLK, Jr. Community Center hosted the 2nd annual “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off, highlighting the diversity of soul food cuisine in celebration of Black History Month.

Registered participants entered their best soul food dish for a chance to win first place in 4 categories, including meat, sides, desserts, and vegan/vegetarian. Each dish was judged based on taste, appearance, and creativity. The “People’s Choice” award was given to the contestant with the best overall dish, determined by a vote from local community members. 

Attendees enjoyed samples from each contestant along with raffles and prizes, free food and drinks, and live performances from Alexis Fowler, Gabrielle Hill, Don Diego, and the 410 Line Dancers. Pamela Davis served as Mistress of Ceremony.

Featured contestants included Juicy’s Soul Food & More!, SmoQuiche, Lynnrichenterprises LLC, Kamishia’s Kitchen, Vickie Rone, Hester’s Bar & Grill, 1Hand^, Belizean Jewels, Artisan Chef Foods, Qu-Dees, Charmed By Missa, Nom Nom Desserts, OMG Cakes & Southern Best Catering, Faye’s Teacakes, and Simpli Restaurant Group.

Winners included Juicy’s Soul Food & More! (Meat); Kamishia’s Kitchen (Sides); Nomm Nomm Desserts (Desserts); and Charmed By Missa (Vegan/Vegetarian). The People’s Choice winner was Simpli Restaurant Group. 

Community Partners included the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Dallas Park & Recreation, Target, Black Voters Matter, Empowering the Masses, In the City For Good, Kroger, HELP, LIRA, K104, and Magic 94.5.

Special thanks to the MLK, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board, the judges, and our dedicated volunteers for their gracious support and commitment to the center.

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2024 MLK Celebration Week (Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events ,

The City of Dallas hosted its 42nd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from January 9-15, 2024,  with a weeks’ worth of events highlighting issues of equity, diversity, and opportunity.

Events included a Day of Reflection, Prayer, and Dedication; a Job Fair; Equity Indicators Symposium; Youth Summit, Candle Lighting Ceremony; MLK Fest; the Scholarship & Awards Gala; and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade.

Sponsors included JBJ Management, Dallas Love Field, Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Black Voters Matter, HEB, Dallas Mavericks, Wells Fargo, Dallas College, Denny’s, MoneyGram, Target, and LIRA.

Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Damien Williams, Sr. Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church; Don Diego; Rev. Kerry Sumpter Smith, Sr. Pastor, White Rock United Methodist Church; Rev. Nucleus Johnson, Youth Pastor, St. Luke Community Methodist Church; Rev. Al Green, Pastor, One Rugged Cross Church; Imam Khalid Shaheed, Spiritual Director, Oakcliff E.C., Imam Emeritus, Masjid Al Islam; Rev. Leonard Johnson, Sr. Pastor, Progressive Baptist Church; Rabbi Andrew M. Paley, Senior Rabbi, Temple Shalom; Lauren Cooper Mosely; Honorable Tennell Atkins, Dallas City Council Mayor Pro-Tem; Yearby’s BBQ & Waterice; Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Sr. Pastor, Friendship West Baptist Church; Tashara Parker, News Anchor, WFAA; and our community partner HELP, who managed the parade.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade Postponed

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Information

DALLAS – Due to inclement weather, The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is rescheduled to 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. 

Join the City of Dallas and H.E.L.P. Dallas to “Dream Forward” in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The parade will start at Fair Park Gate 6 at MLK Jr. Boulevard and Robert B. Cullum Boulevard. It will proceed down MLK Boulevard to Atlanta Street turning south, then turning east on Pennsylvania Avenue returning to Fair Park.  

Participants include elected officials, high school bands and dance teams, car clubs, horses, local businesses and other community organizations.

For more information, contact 469-592-1388.

2023 Winter Warmup Coat Drive & Distribution (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events ,

On Saturday, December 16, 2023,  the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual Winter Warmup Coat Drive & Distribution, a community-based effort to provide new coats, hats, and gloves to children and families in need.

There were 187 registered families and over 600 children who participated in the drive-through distribution. Free coats, hats, gloves, socks, sleeping bags, blankets, clothing, shoes, and hygiene kits were also provided to 150+ homeless and 40 community residents.

Community Partners included LIRA, HELP, Peter and Dena Silberman, Terris Perkins, Jr., Empowering the Masses, Miles of Freedom, CBRE, DTLR, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter), In the City for Good, Accelerated Active Energy, Dallas Independent School District, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, IDK Foundation, Cummins, The Lamplighter School, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Moondo World.

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MLK Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual MLK Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to over 300 families in need.

Registered guests participated in the drive-through distribution receiving a turkey and chicken, along with vegetables, bread, desserts, and more, for a complete holiday meal.

This was a collaboration between the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, LIRA, HELP, First Choice Social Services, Empowering the Masses, Miles of Freedom, Carter’s House, Family Care Connection, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Kappa Zeta Chapter), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter), Kroger, Aetna,  Accident & Injury Chiropractic, Novo Nordisk, Brian Eberstein, Atmos Energy, Packing House Market, Bossfight, Ellen’s Kitchen, The Richards Group, Reliant, DFW Voices for Education & Youth, The Giving Tree Ministries, Bridgford Foods, and Terris Perkins, Jr.

Special thanks to our volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to serving the community. We could not do it without you!

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2023 Hispanic Heritage Festival- Event Recap

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events ,

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Over 300 attendees enjoyed local vendors, live entertainment, free food, fun giveaways, and more. The Kid Zone included face painting, arts and crafts, a bounce house, and hamster ball play area. Special guests included Anita Martinez Ballet Folklórico and Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep Aesthetic Literacy students and Varsity cheerleaders.

Local students participated in a Hispanic Heritage Month art display, which is available for public viewing inside the MLK Administration Building until October 15. Participating schools and individuals included KIPP Destiny, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, H. Grady Spruce High School, Reynolds Middle School (Prosper ISD), iLearn Virtual Academy, Madison Smith, and David Yisrael.

Community Partners included LIRA Group, HELP, Dallas Public Library, Dallas Park and Recreation, DFW Voices for Education, Southwest Transplant Alliance, Community Arts Pop-Up Cultural Center, Atmos Energy, In the City for Good, CKP, Dallas Sidekicks, Domingo Garcia Law Office, and Molina Healthcare.

 

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events, Information

 

Each year we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico (Special Guests at the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Festival)

We are commemorating this occasion with our 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival on Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MLK, Jr. Community Center. The festival is an in-person community event with free activities for children, live entertainment, and local vendors for the community to enjoy.

Special guests include the Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico who will perform a dance selection.

Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Display

There is a student art display inside of the Administration Building with a variety of artwork reflecting the diversity of Hispanic and Latino culture from students across the DFW Metroplex. The student art display will be available for public viewing September 15-October 15, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and celebration, visit bit.ly/MLKHispanicHeritage.

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Display