Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
2023 “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off
About
Bring your family to the “Taste of Soul” at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center on Saturday, February 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a soul food cook-off highlighting local chefs and businesses and celebrating the diversity of soul food cuisine.
The Taste of Soul will also feature raffles and prizes, a fun photo booth, and live entertainment for all to enjoy.
Come out and cast your vote for the best dish!
Admission
Admission is FREE.
Featured Contestants
- Nomm Nomm Desserts
- Delicious Home Cooking and Company
- Juicy’s Soul Food & More!
- Fletcher’s Catering
- Charmed By Miss Vegan Cuisine
- Mrs. Helen’s Home Cooking
- Grandma’s House and Kitchen
- Art Wilson/Artisan Chef Catering
- Park’s Peas
- Gorilla Rose Catering
- Red Diva Chili
- EP Cakes
- Just Desserts
- Soul Cravings
- C and D Handmade Jewelry Co.
- Margaret Trammell Family Cook
- Gregory Green
Live Entertainment
- Akeem Stroupe, Spoken Word Artist
- W.K., R&B Artist (Dallas, TX)
- Line Dancing with Bria
Enter the Contest
Enter your best soul food dish for a chance to win the Grand Prize at a “Taste of Soul” on February 25, at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center.
Guests will sample your dish and judges will vote on the best dish in each category.
Categories include: Meat, Sides, Vegan/Vegetarian, & Desserts.
Prizes
Cash prizes are available for contest winners!
The Grand Prize winner will receive $750.
1st place winners in each category will win $500.
Additional awards will be given to all contest participants.
Contestant Registration
Registration is now closed.
2023 Black History Month Student Art Display
Call for Student Artists! Submit Art for Black History Month Display at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
The City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is seeking student artists to participate in an art display at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in celebration of Black History Month. Artwork will be displayed inside of the MLK, Jr. Community Center from February 1 – February 28, 2023.
CRITERIA
Students in grades 6-12 in the Dallas area can participate.
Artwork should reflect the theme “It Starts with Me,” exploring the diversity of Black culture. Submissions may incorporate (but are not limited to) historical leaders, groups, events, flags, or a personal interpretation of the theme in relation to Black History Month. Acceptable mediums include (but are not limited to) paint, pencil, marker, ink, poetry, sculpture, collage, or photography.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Submit artwork to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (2922 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215) along with the following details:
- Artist Name
- School
- Grade
- Art Title
- Description of artwork
DEADLINE
- Submit art by January 30, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.
- Art Pick Up: March 1, 2023
CONTACT
For more information, contact Natashia Cooper at natashia.cooper@dallas.gov or call 214-670-8418.
Schedule a Tour of the Dallas Civil Rights Museum
Founded in 2014, the Dallas Civil Rights Museum is a place for people to
discover and reconnect with the power of the Civil Rights Movement in America during the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Dallas Civil Rights Museum has a national focus of civil rights milestones from a national perspective. The museum houses a collection of original speeches, books, spoken word, art, and artifacts reflecting the Civil Rights movement to inspire dream keepers and change agents.
To schedule a tour, or for more information, contact 214-670-8418.
Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsors!
2022 Black History Month Celebration
Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
The 2022 MLK Black History Month Celebration is a two-part event, a virtual celebration of unsung artist, Arthello Beck, Jr., and a free drive-through giveaway for the community.
Watch the virtual event on Friday, February 11, at noon, celebrating the life of artist Arthello Beck, Jr. Visit the MLK Branch Library and the South Dallas Cultural Center for a look at some of his original artwork, which will be on display through the month of February.
The link to watch the virtual program will be available at http://www.DallasMLKCenter.com.
Attend a free drive-through giveaway on Saturday, February 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and get a free food box, hygiene supplies, cleaning products, informational resources, and more (while supplies last!). There is no registration required to attend.
Our community partners include Reliant, an NRG company, LIRA Group, Miles of Freedom, H.E.L.P., Foremost Family Health Center, Empowering the Masses, First Choice Social Services, In the City For Good, and KBP Foods KFC.
For questions, please contact 214-670-8418.
WATCH:
Please tune in here to watch our virtual celebration on Friday, February 11, at 12:00 p.m.!
Link to watch online: https://youtu.be/JkUTm8Xwm5c
2021 Virtual Black History Month Celebration
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1967)
WATCH
The Fierce Urgency of Now- Part One (February 12, 2021 @ 12 PM)
Part Two (February 19, 2021 @ 12 PM)
Featured Guests
Dr. Michael W. Waters, Pastor & Author, “For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World”
Rev. Richie Butler, Pastor and Founder of Project Unity
Emma Rodgers, Dallas Civil Rights Museum
Jiles King, Spoken Word Artist
Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Beyond Belief, St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church
Chasity Bass, Moriah Bass & Bethany Bass
Channing Black
Kimberly Ivy
Rev. Donna Slater, MLK Advisory Board (District 5)
Dr. Jerry Christian, MLK Advisory Board (District 15)
LaSheryl Walker, MLK Advisory Board (District 7)
Trent Hughes, MLK Advisory Board (District 12)
Promo
Presented By
For any questions, please contact 214-670-8418.
2020 Black History Month Celebration
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, along with the Dallas Civil Rights Museum, hosted a panel discussion entitled “Will You Count? African Americans in 2020 Census” on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at the MLK, Jr. Community Center.
Panelists included Ms. Yolanda Morgan Davis (The International Net Xchange Founder) and Ms. DeMetris Sampson (Volunteer, AKA Connection Chairman, OMO). The moderator was Mr. Harrison Blair, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce President.
Mr. Nucleus Johnson (Oratorical) and Green Way Park COGIC (Liturgical Dance) provided entertainment.