2022 MLK Remembrance Ceremony (Event Recap)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events

On Monday, April 4, 2022, the City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its 8th annual MLK Remembrance Ceremony to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, marking 54 years since Dr. King’s untimely death. 

Special guests included Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, Author, Activist, and Pastor of Abundant Life A.M.E. Church; John Carter, Founder of Turner 12; Jesuorobo Enobakhare, Jr. with the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Attorney Stephen Pipkin, Pipkin Law Firm; Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua, representing District 7; James Madison High School JROTC; Candace E. Wicks, Mistress of Ceremony and MLK Advisory Board Vice Chair (District 3); Pastor Donna Slater, MLK Advisory Board (District 5); Clara Brown-Trimble, MLK Advisory Board Chair (District 10); and Kelly Drake, MLK Advisory Board (District 9).

Entertainment was provided by Marcia Jones and Vicky Rone. KBP Foods DBA KFC and Empowering the Masses sponsored dinner and refreshments.

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Springtime Events at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

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

Spring is in the air at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center!

We are excited to share some upcoming events and activities happening at the MLK Center. Be sure to add us to your calendar and join our mailing list so you don’t miss any updates!

Upcoming Events

MLK Remembrance Ceremony (Monday, April 4 @ 4:45 P.M.)

The MLK Remembrance Ceremony is an annual event hosted by the City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center honoring King’s life and legacy. This year will mark 54 years since Dr. King’s untimely death. 

This event takes place on Monday, April 4, at 4:45 P.M. This year’s theme is “It Starts With Me.” Special guests include Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, Author, Activist, and Pastor of Abundant Life A.M.E. Church; John Carter, Founder of Turner 12; the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Rev. Dr. Clarence Glover, Founder of Sankofa Education Services; and the James Madison High School JROTC.

Entertainment will be provided by Marcia Jones and Vicky Rone. KFC is sponsoring food for the event.

This is an in-person event which will take place in front of the MLK Statue.

MLK Community Spring Extravaganza (Thursday, April 14 @ 11 A.M.)

The MLK Community Spring Extravaganza is an annual Easter egg hunt for the MLK ChildCareGroup and a free giveaway for the community. 

This event takes place on Thursday, April 14, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., with the egg hunt will beginning at 11:00 A.M. for ChildCareGroup, and the free community giveaway at 12:00 P.M. 

Thanks to our community partners, we will distribute candy to the children, and hygiene kits, snacks and more to the surrounding members of the community.

If you want to donate eggs or candy, please contact 214-670-8418.

A Magnificent Mom’s Day Experience (Saturday, May 7 @ 10 A.M.)

A Magnificent Mom’s Day Experience takes place on Saturday, May 7, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.

This is a day to celebrate being a mother. We will inspire your mind, body, and soul with motivational words to help you endure for another day, week, month, and year. This is what you can expect:

  • Mingling and networking with other mothers
  • Wear your hats for a fun hat parade
  • Lunch
  • Selling vendors i.e. candles, jewelry, oils, and scents
  • Be camera-ready
  • Swag bags
  • Random Gift Give-a-ways

Registration will open on April 25 at 8 A.M. Register via Eventbrite: magnificent-moms.eventbrite.com. 

ETM Commencement Ceremony  (Saturday, May 21 @ 10 A.M.)

Empowering the Masses will hosts it’s 2nd annual Phlebotomy & Health Worker Certification Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2022 on Saturday, May 21, at 10 A.M.

If you are interested in registering for phlebotomy or health worker certification classes, please contact Empowering the Masses at 972-460-6316.

Announcements

MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center

The MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center is open every Tuesday at 12 P.M. with fresh produce and dry goods for the community. There is no registration required to receive goods. For questions, contact 214-290-2337.

Free Tax Assistance

Dallas Community Tax Centers is providing free tax assistance at the MLK Center. Schedule an appointment by calling 214-370-9353 or online at dallastaxcenters.as.me.

City of Dallas FreshStart Employment Screening

The City of Dallas is hiring! FreshStart Employment screening takes place every Wednesday, from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the MLK Center inside Activity Room B.

Free Legal Aid

Free legal aid clinics are returning to the MLK, Jr. Community Center on April 12, at 4 P.M. For more information about the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, contact 214-243-2263.

Free Daily Snack Packs 

Free snack packs are available daily for those in need, inside of Building A, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. 

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit www.dallasmlkcenter.com/volunteer to see a list of opportunities and submit a volunteer application.

Office of Community Care Rental Assistance Program

If you are interested in Rental or Utilities Assistance through the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Social Services program, you may call our appointment line to speak with a  caseworker, Monday – Friday – 9am- 2pm. You can also apply online for assistance at: https://dallas.govtech.kinetechcloud.com.

To view our upcoming events, visit www.dallasmlkcenter.com/mlk-events.

2022 MLK Black History Month Celebration (Event Recap)

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

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center’s 2022 Black History Month Celebration was a two-part event, a virtual celebration of unsung artist Arthello Beck, Jr., and a free drive-through giveaway for the community.

Arthello Beck, Jr. “Braiding Session”

The virtual event premiered on Friday, February 11, celebrating the life of artist Arthello Beck, Jr. and recognizing the efforts of the MLK Center’s community partners. The video is available to watch on YouTube.

Produced by Tailored Penguin Media Company, special contributors included the City of Dallas, Reliant, an NRG company, LIRA Group, Miles of Freedom, Foremost Family Health Center, Empowering the Masses, the South Dallas Cultural Center, Deborah Sutton, & Ms. Mae Beck.

Original artwork by Arthello Beck, Jr. will be displayed at the MLK Branch Library and the South Dallas Cultural Center through the month of February. 

Part two of the celebration was a free drive-through giveaway on Saturday, February 12, for 250 families to receive free food, hygiene supplies, cleaning products, and more. Care packages were provided to the homeless with blankets, socks, and hygiene products, along with a hot meal. Music was provided by DJ G Smoove. 

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, Oasis Focus, and KBP Foods KFC.

Watch Video:

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Celebrate Black History Month!

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

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.

Arthello Beck, Jr.

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. 

You can also 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: 2022 MLK Black History Month Celebration

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2022 MLK Celebration Week

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

In January 2022, the City of Dallas will host its 40th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a weeks’ worth of events highlighting issues of equity, diversity, and opportunity. The week will include a Day of Prayer, a Day of Service, a Wreath Laying Ceremony, Job Fair, Equity Symposium, Youth Summit, and Scholarship & Awards Gala. Celebration week will culminate with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Virtual Parade.

Download the official_2022 MLK Celebration Week Flyer

Virtual Wreath Laying Ceremony
Tuesday, Jan. 11 | 10 a.m.

The City of Dallas and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center invites the community to watch its Wreath Laying Ceremony online, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King.

RSVP: bit.ly/2022MLK

Virtual Job Fair
Wednesday, Jan. 12 | 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

A virtual job fair in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas featuring on-site hiring and a showcase of workforce skills and credentialing programs to support job seekers.

Link to Register: bit.ly/MLK2022JobFair

Social Justice & Re-entry Forum 
Thursday, Jan. 13 | 10 a.m.to Noon 
 
The Change is Possible Tour partners with the city of Dallas to host a panel discussion of formerly incarcerated persons, judges, attorneys, and community activists on the challenges of social justice and re-entry.
 

Virtual Equity Indicators Symposium
Friday, Jan. 14 | 8:30 a.m. to Noon

Join the City of Dallas and Office of Equity & Inclusion in a critical conversation on building an equitable and inclusive Dallas. 

Download Spanish Flyer

RSVP: bit.ly/2022EquitySymposium

Virtual Candle Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Jan. 14 | 7 p.m.

Join the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Martin Luther King, Jr.  Community Center in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King.

RSVP: bit.ly/2022MLK

Virtual MLK Scholarship & Awards Gala
Saturday, Jan. 15
Networking Reception | 5:15 p.m.
Gala | 6:30 p.m.

Annual Gala featuring keynote speaker Dr. Eddie Glaude, scholarships, awards presentations, and performances. 

RSVP: bit.ly/2022MLK

Virtual Day of Prayer & Reflection
Sunday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m.

The City of Dallas and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center reflects and honors the work of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., his fight for a more just society, social activism, and ability to galvanize support from various Faith Leaders. 

RSVP: bit.ly/2022MLK

Youth Field Day
Sunday, Jan. 16 | 1 p.m.

The Youth Commission will host a Field Day exploring MLK’s legacy, youth impact, and ways to be a leader and make a difference throughout Texas.

RSVP: bit.ly/MLK2022Summit

Virtual MLK Day Parade
Monday, Jan. 17 | 10 -11:30 a.m.

This 2022 Virtual Parade will be pre-recorded and broadcast on the public access channel. It is a compilation of videos and pictures depicting MLK Day parades of the past. There will be interviews discussing the 2022 theme: “40 Years Strong: A Look Toward the Future.”

RSVP: bit.ly/2022MLK

The MLK Fest has been canceled. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-up-the-dream-mlk-fest-2022-tickets-225916571547

Learn more about MLK Celebration Week by visiting: www.dallasmlkcenter.com/mlk-celebration-week

2021 MLK Winter Warm-Up

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

On Saturday, December 18, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual Winter Warm-Up event, a community-based effort to provide new coats, hats, and gloves to 800 children in need.

Registered guests participated in the drive through to receive a free winter coat, a food box with fresh produce and dry goods, STEAM kits from the Dallas Public Library (MLK Branch), gloves from KIPP, laundry detergent and hand sanitizer from In the City For Good, and teddy bears and toys from White Rock United Methodist at Owenwood, in collaboration with Kelly Drake, MLK Advisory Board member. COVID Vaccinations were also available on-site, provided by Abundant Life AME Church and Foremost Family Health Center.

Additional sponsors included Carter’s House, Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Empowering the Masses, Enterprise Foundation, LIRA Group, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, Oncor, Peter & Dena Silberman, Terris Perkins, Jr., Hope.Encourage.Love.Protect. (HELP), Foremost Family Health Center, The Richards Group, Heroines of Jericho, Miles of Freedom, Star Medical Specialties, KIPP, Transportation Unlimited, In the City for Good, Bridgford Foods, Texas State Federation of Garden Clubs, Turner 12, Geico, Rose Wright, Doris Edmon, Crystal Tyler, Emma Rodgers, ABZ Solutions, Bimbo, and Dairy Farmers of America.

Special thanks to our volunteers who contributed their time and labor to make this event a success. We could not do it without you!

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Oasis Focus, Inc. and North Texas Food Bank host Mobile Food Giveaway at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

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

On Wednesday, December 8, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center partnered with Oasis Focus, Inc. and the North Texas Food Bank to host a mobile food pantry for residents in the South Dallas area.

It was a drive though event serving 250 families with free produce and dry goods from the North Texas Food Bank, hygiene and cleaning supplies donated by Sir Kendricks Smile for Autism, and other donated items from Oasis Focus, Inc. and The Concilio. 

To learn more about Oasis Focus, Inc. please visit their website at https://www.oasisfocus.org. 

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The MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center Reopens at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Services ,

On Tuesday, December 7, the MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center reopened at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center after closing due to the ongoing pandemic. 

The new distribution hours will be every Tuesday starting at 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. There are no income or zip code restrictions to receive goods.

Food distribution will also take place every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Park South YMCA, located at 2500 Romine Avenue, Dallas, TX 75215. 

If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Cinthia Mendoza at Cinthia@milesoffreedom.org.

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2021 MLK Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Events ,

On Saturday, November 20, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need. 

Over 500 guests participated in a drive-through event to receive bags filled with stuffing mix, vegetables, bread, desserts, and more, along with a turkey or whole chicken, and a ham for a complete holiday meal.

This year’s sponsors included LIRA Group, Dallas Fire Department, Transportation Unlimited, Terris Perkins, Jr., Abundant Life AME, Bimbo, Boss Fight Entertainment, Empowering the Masses, Foremost Family Health Center, Oak Street Health, Miles of Freedom, Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Original Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Brian Eberstein, Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Giving Tree Ministries, First Choice Social Services, Ellen’s Kitchen, Hope Encourage Love Protect (H.E.L.P.), Ben E. Keith, Storks Nest Fund of Dallas, The Richards Group, Enterprise Foundation, and the Highland Park Police Department.

Our gracious volunteers included St. Luke United Methodist Church, Refulgent Star, Diva Girls Rock, Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., H.E.L.P., Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., MLK Community Courts, Foremost Family Health Center, The Richards Group, and Team MVP.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center also partnered with Miles of Freedom and the Botham Jean Foundation at the Park South YMCA to provide free turkeys and Thanksgiving trimmings to 500 families in need.

Thank you to our partners, sponsors, and volunteers- we could not do it without you!

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