Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week (Recap)

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The City of Dallas hosted its 41st annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from January 10-January 16, with a weeks’ worth of events highlighting issues of equity, diversity, and opportunity. This year’s theme was Daring to Dream: The Radical Imagination of a New Generation.

MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony (January 10, 2023)

The 41st Annual MLK Celebration Week started with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, featuring City of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson as Keynote Speaker. Special guests included James Madison High School JROTC; Saxophonist Jeff Aycock, Vocalist Lady Emerald; and Townview High School “Big D” Drumline. 

MLK Celebration Job Fair (January 11, 2023)

The MLK Celebration Job Fair was an in-person event at the Hall of State at Fair Park, in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, featuring on-site interviews and hiring from 50+ employers.

Youth Summit (January 12, 2023)

The Youth Summit, hosted by the Dallas Youth Commission, took place at Dallas City Hall, examining the youth impact and ways to become lifelong leaders actively engaged in civic affairs, public policy and advocacy in the D/FW Metroplex.

Day of Prayer (January 12, 2023)

The City of Dallas and Faith Forward Dallas partnered to bring the Day of Prayer to the Latino Cultural Center to honor the work of Dr. King, his fight for a more just society, and ability to galvanize support from various faith leaders.

Equity Indicators Symposium (January 13, 2023)

The 4th Annual Equity Indicators Symposium was held at Paul Quinn College in collaboration with Communities Foundation of Texas. The Symposium focused on the Racial Equity Plan and philanthropy, education, and community to addresses disparities.

MLK Candle Lighting Ceremony (January 13, 2023)

The MLK Candle Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter), was held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, featuring Rev. Ty Pettiford, II, Senior Pastor of Carter Temple CME Church as the Keynote Speaker. Special guests included James Madison High School JROTC and U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett. 

“Keep Up the Dream” MLK Fest- Community Clean Up (January 14, 2023)

“Keep Up the Dream” MLK Fest was a community clean-up initiative in the South Dallas/Fair Park Neighborhood in partnership with South Side Quarter Development Co., Walls Project, Epiphany, Zeal, New Era, and the City of Dallas.

41st Annual MLK Scholarship & Awards Gala (January 14, 2023)

The 41st Annual MLK Scholarship & Awards Gala took place at the Hyatt Regency Dallas featuring Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd and Mistress of Ceremony Tashara Parker. The MLK, Jr. Community Center presented awards and scholarships, along with live entertainment and a silent auction in partnership with LIRA Group. Special thanks to Mae Beck and the Arthello Beck, Jr. Art Gallery; Manuel Beckles for original artwork from Zimbabwe; and to Ridout Framing.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade (January 16, 2023)

The City of Dallas and HELP partnered to host the MLK Day Parade, which featured approximately 200 entries ranging from elected officials, community organizations, youth groups, band/drill teams, colorful floats, and more. 

Sponsors from this year’s celebration included AT&T, Toyota, Reliant NRG, Dallas Love Field, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas College, AMN Healthcare, In-N-Out Burger, MoneyGram, State Fair of Texas, Wells Fargo, TXU Energy, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, SMU, Truist Bank, and Denny’s.

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2023 MLK Celebration Week

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41st Annual MLK Scholarship & Awards Gala 

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2023 MLK Day Parade

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MLK Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway (Event Recap)

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On Saturday, November 19, 2022, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to over 400 families in need.

Guests participated in a drive-through event receiving bags filled with vegetables, bread, desserts, and more, along with a ham and Cornish hen for a complete holiday meal.

This was a collaboration between the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, LIRA, HELP, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, Miles of Freedom, Ben E. Keith, The Richards Group, Foremost Family Health Center, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Kappa Zeta Chapter), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter), Kroger, Stream Realty, Ellen’s Kitchen, Empowering the Masses, Enterprise, Transportation Unlimited, Inc., First Choice Social Services, US Bank, O.E.S. Saturah Chapter #13, A+ Charter Schools, Inc., Ronald Kirk, Mark Jones, Sam Gioldasis, Ron Haynes, Kate Levit, Kevin Summers, Marcy Taylor, and James Hickey.

We want to extend a special thank you to the volunteers who gave their time and energy to assist with preparing and distributing baskets, including Enterprise, Diva Girls Rock, Alpha Merit, Zeta Phi Beta (Kappa Zeta Chapter), HELP, Refulgent Star, and O.E.S. Saturah Chapter #13.

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Treat the Building!

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On Friday, October 28, 2022, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual “Treat the Building” Halloween event for the students who attend MLK ChildCareGroup.

This event was a collaboration between the MLK Branch Library, Foremost Family Health Center, Miles of Freedom, Empowering the Masses, First Choice Social Services, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Office of Community Care Social Services, H.E.L.P., Dallas County Seniors, and the office of Councilman Adam Bazaldua.

Special thanks to our student volunteers from the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing!

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MLK Hispanic Heritage Festival (Event Recap)

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On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, in collaboration with Reliant, hosted its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15).

Over 450 attendees enjoyed a variety of local retail and informational vendors, live entertainment, free food, and giveaways. The Kid Zone activities included face painting, balloon art, arts and crafts, bounce house, and hamster ball play area.

Special guests included Ballet Folklórico Ollimpaxqui; the Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep Aesthetic Literacy students; Ariana Zuniga, Zumba Instructor; Councilman Adam Bazaldua (District 7); Councilwoman Jaynie Shultz (District 11), and Dr. Jose Dela Cruz, MLK Advisory Board Member (District 11).

Special thanks to the students who participated in the art display, which will be on display at the MLK, Jr. Community Center until October 15. Participating schools included KIPP Truth Academy, A.W. Brown Middle School, Solar Preparatory for Girls, KIPP Pleasant Grove, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, Spruce High School, MLK, Jr. Arts Academy, and Dallas Christian High School.

Community Partners included Reliant, LIRA, Miles of Freedom, HELP, Oncor, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Public Library, Empowering the Masses, Dallas Civil Rights Museum, Dallas Park and Recreation, and Dallas Fire Department. Breakfast was sponsored by DFW Voices for Education. Music was provided by DJ Trikky.

Councilman Adam Bazaldua (District 7); Pamela R. Jones, MLK Center Manager; Dr. Jose Dela Cruz (MLK Advisory Board, District 11)

Ballet Folklórico Ollimpaxqui
Ballet Folklórico Ollimpaxqui

Face Painting by Anna Garza

Photobooth by LCI Media
Students and teacher from Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep

A raffle prize winner, courtesy of LIRA Group

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Celebrate Black History Month!

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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 Juneteenth Celebration

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On Saturday, June 19, 2021, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted its annual Juneteenth Celebration, in collaboration with the Dallas Police Department Office of Community Affairs.

Attendees drove through the MLK Center’s parking lot and opened their trunks to receive free food, nonperishable goods, household products, informational resources, and more from 30+ Community Partners as we commemorated the Juneteenth holiday.

Community Partners included Reliant NRG, Witherite Law, Ellen’s Kitchen, Fidelity Investments, First Choice Social Services, Destiny’s Giving Hands, South Dallas Community Courts, Empowering the Masses, Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention @ Prairie View A&M University, Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Carter’s House, Morales Group Staffing, Abide Women’s Health Services, Miles of Freedom, In the City For Good, Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Oncor, MLK ChildCareGroup, MLK Library, GoPuff, Dallas Museum of Art, Foremost Family Health Center, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, KIPP Public Charter School, Harambee Festival Steering Committee, Bridgford Foods, DFA Dairy Brands, Operation Tiny House, LIRA Group, Boss Fight Entertainment, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, and Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

In and Out provided free burgers and drinks to the community. Kona Ice, sponsored by Reliant, provided free snow cones. Starbucks provided free coffee for the volunteers. Music was provided by DJ FLYY.

During the celebration, 31 winners from the Ultimate Dads Give-a-Way picked up their prizes. The grand prize was a dual BBQ grill, a 7-piece luxury patio furniture set, tent, cooler, apron set, gloves, and BBQ grill utensils.

Special thanks to our volunteers including Sons of Solomon, CH Gerald, and Dallas Fire & Rescue.

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2021 Spring Into Action

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On Saturday, May 22, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and LIRA Group hosted Spring Into Action, a day dedicated to giving back to the community. Attendees received free bedding, towels, socks, hygiene kits, and more, along with a hot meal to go.

Sponsors included LIRA Group, SEWA International, HELP, Texas Microfiber, Tennis Shoe Cowboy, and the City of Dallas.

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2021 Phlebotomy Certification Commencement Ceremony

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On Saturday, May 15, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted it’s 2021 Phlebotomy Certification Commencement Ceremony, sponsored by Empowering the Masses.

A total of 21 students graduated from Empowering the Masses’ Certified Phlebotomy program. Special guests included Dr. Jerry Christian, Chairman of the MLK Advisory Board; Mr. Asa Woodberry, District 6 MLK Advisory Board; Henry Sephus, Miles of Freedom; Pamela Jones, Division Manager III of the MLK, Jr. Community Center; Shawana Carter, Founder of Carter’s House; Angela Mireles, Dallas College; Leonard Johnson, Phlebotomy Instructor; and Tammy Johnson, Executive Director of Empowering the Masses.

Sponsors included 7-11,  Muse Family Foundation, Chic-Fil-A, and the City of Dallas.

Students who are interested in obtaining a certification can apply for free tuition through Empowering the Masses. For details, please visit www.empoweringthemasses.org.

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A Magnificent Mom’s Day Experience (Event Recap)

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, in conjunction with LIRA Group, hosted its first ever Magnificent Mom’s Day Experience on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Over 100 women came out to enjoy a day of celebration in honor of Mother’s Day. Inspirational words were provided by Cessilye R. Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Abide Women’s Health Services; Jazze Maxie, Community Affairs Director and On-Air Talent for Urban One Dallas (97.9 The Beat & Magic 94.5); and Pastor Donna Slater, Co-Founder of New Millennium Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Guests enjoyed raffle prizes, games, and a free, high-end shopping experience for beauty and skincare products. At the end of the day, the grand prize winner took home a full set of living room furniture, a writing desk, a big screen T.V., and a floating bar set with 3 chairs.

Complimentary food & dessert were provided by Wingstop and Ellen’s Southern Kitchen. Decorations were provided by Empowering the Masses. Music was provided by Dee Jay Flyy. 

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