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 Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosts several opportunities to commemorate Black History Month each year.
2024 “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off
About
Come and celebrate the diversity of soul food cuisine at the “Taste of Soul,” featuring some of DFW’s best chefs and creations!
The Taste of Soul will also feature free samples, live entertainment, & raffles and prizes for all to enjoy.
Special guests include Don Diego Jazz, Gabrielle Hill, and the 410 Line Dancers.
Admission
Admission is FREE.
Enter the Contest
Enter your best soul food dish for a chance to win the Grand Prize at a “Taste of Soul” on February 24, 2024 at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center. Categories include: Meat, Sides, Vegan/Vegetarian, & Dessert.
Guests will sample your dish and judges will vote on the best dish in each category.
Registration
Registration is now closed!
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.
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 2024 Sponsors!
Past Events
2023 Taste of Soul
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, the City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted the “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off in honor of Black History Month, highlighting local chefs and celebrating the diversity of soul food cuisine. 
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, kid zone activities, a fun 360° photo booth, free food and drinks, and live entertainment from Akeem Stroup, Spoken Word Artist; W.K., R&B Artist from Dallas, TX; and Line Dancing with Bria.
Featured contestants included 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, and Gregory Green.
Winners included Juicy’s Soul Food & More! (Meat); Gregory Green (Sides); Nomm Nomm Desserts (Desserts); and Park’s Peas (Vegan/Vegetarian). The People’s Choice winner was Art Williams, Artisan Chef Catering.
Community Partners included Reliant NRG, Kroger, LIRA Group, and HELP. Special thanks to our volunteers and guests for attending!
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.