Organizations across Arlington, like UT-Arlington, Arlington ISD and the Arlington Ministerial Association, are once again joining forces to host a four-day celebration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy Jan. 16-19.
The “Advancing the Dream” celebration comprises seven events to be hosted in the American Dream City, including a day of service, a step showcase from local student step teams and a jazz showcase mixing poetry with music.
Troy Williams, the city’s director of community development and co-chair of the MLK Celebration committee, said the long-standing nature of the celebration stands as a demonstration of how the community has a commitment to recognizing King’s work.
“A one-day event has now evolved and grown into a four-day event that’s kind of woven into the fabric and nature of the community,” Williams said. “It’s just a continued demonstration of how unique the collective community of Arlington is.”
For 37 years, the event has grown to not only teach about King’s impact, but also to inspire future generations to create their own change.
The celebrations include handing out scholarships to students who participate in essay and art contests focused on King’s work and showcasing performances of local students.
Williams said the philanthropic side of the celebrations allows the community to invest in the future.
“It’s both a moment to be celebrated, but it’s also just as important to make an investment in the long-term future of our young people in our city,” Williams said.
For more information on the celebration’s events schedule, see below or click here.
“Advancing the Dream” events
Jan. 16
The celebrations will kick off with a gala hosted on the UT-Arlington campus. During the night, scholarships and awards tied to “Advancing the Dream” will be presented. The event will include dinner; a keynote speech from Tomikia P. LeGrande, the president and CEO of Prairie View A&M; and a tribute to Arlington’s first Black mayor and council member, Elzie Odom.
When: Doors open at 6:15 p.m., the event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Bluebonnet Ballroom, UT Arlington E.H. Hereford University Center, 300 W. First St.
Price: $89 for individual tickets. To buy a ticket, click here.
Jan. 17
18 student step groups from Arlington ISD will perform at James Bowie High.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: James Bowie High School, 2101 Highbank Drive
Price: Presale tickets are $10. Tickets at the door for those 19 and older are $15; 7-18 are $10; and kids 6 and under are free. To buy tickets, click here.
Explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s poetry to the tones of jazz music on the UT-Arlington campus. The event will include six poets and a DJ.
When: The event starts at 7 p.m.
Where: E.H. Hereford University Center, Bluebonnet Ballroom, 300 W. First St.
Price: Admission is $21.25. To buy tickets, click here.
Jan. 18
The Rev. Christopher M. Lee, the executive presbyter of Grace Presbytery in Irving, will lead “Advancing the Dream’s” annual ecumenical service at the First Presbyterian Church.
When: 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins St.
Price: The service is free to attend.
Jan. 19
People can get involved with the spirit of service by volunteering during the Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service at Mission Metroplex.
When: 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Mission Metroplex, 400 W. South St.
To sign up to volunteer, click here.
The MLK Day of Service festival, hosted at City Hall, will celebrate those who volunteer as part of the celebrations. The event will include performances from local dance troupes and bands.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: City Center Plaza, 100 S. Center St.
Price: Admission is free.
The festivities will close out with the MLK Youth Extravaganza at the Fielder Church Metro Center. The event will include performances by an elementary choir of 300 students, the Remynse Elementary drummers and Step-by-Step dancers, and remarks from Arlington ISD Superintendent Matt Smith and Mayor Jim Ross.
When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: Fielder Church Metro Center, 2011 S. Fielder Road
Price: Admission is free.
Chris Moss is a reporter for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org.
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