Information

2026 MLK Celebration Week

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

In January 2026, the City of Dallas hosts its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a week of events highlighting issues of opportunity, diversity, and community. This year’s theme is “Remaining Awake Through a Great Transformation.”

MLK Week will feature our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship and Awards Gala, in which we will present scholarships to the winners of our MLK Essay contest and recognize organizations and individuals that have supported the MLK Center and our community throughout 2025, and will culminate with the annual MLK Day Parade.

For more information about 2026 MLK Celebration Week, please contact 214-670-8418.

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.

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

New Exhibit Opens at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Information ,
Dr. King speaks at Southern Methodist University (SMU), 1966

New Exhibit Opens at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

A replica of SMU’s historical marker honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1966 visit to the campus has been installed inside of Building A at the MLK, Jr. Community Center. The exhibit is now open to the public.

Visitors can read the plaque and also listen to a snippet of Dr. King’s speech.

Listen to the full audio speech:

For questions, contact 214-670-8418.

Beat the Heat

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Information

Beat the Heat

Reliant Energy is teaming up with the City of Dallas to help people stay cool during the Texas summer heat.

City of Dallas residents can visit one of our Beat the Heat cooling centers which will provide a safe and comfortable place to stay cool and reduce the need for home electricity use during the hottest days of summer. 

Cooling centers will open June 27, following a 11:30 a.m. press conference at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center.

Cooling center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Two locations are available:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (2922 MLK, Jr. Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75215)
  • West Dallas Multipurpose Center (2828 Fish Trap Rd., Dallas, TX 75212)

Free Cooling Fans

City of Dallas residents can sign up to receive a free cooling fan (while supplies last). Quantities are limited to only one unit per household.

To apply:

For more information, visit bit.ly/DallasBeatTheHeat.

Celebrating Black History Month at the MLK, Jr. Community Center

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

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

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 is free!

You can also choose to enter your best dish for a cash prize! The Grand Prize winner will receive $750.

For more information, visit bit.ly/MLKTasteofSoul.

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. CRITERIAStudents 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 SUBMITSubmit 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, call 214-670-8418. 

 

Call For Student Artists! 2023 Black History Month Art Display

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Information ,

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.

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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