Illustration by Jordan Johnson
As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, the city of Arlington is honoring King’s legacy by hosting multiple events throughout the weekend.
The four-day celebration themed “Advancing the Dream: A Journey Toward Unity” is sponsored by the Arlington MLK Celebration Committee, Inc.
MLK Step Showcase
The MLK Step Showcase will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at James Bowie High School. The event will feature 19 step teams from Arlington ISD, showcasing their creativity to celebrate King. Hosted by K104 Radio, families are welcome to support the step teams, enjoy live masters of ceremonies and more. Presale tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for people between 7 and 18 years old and free for kids under 6 years old.
MLK Poetry Meets Jazz
UTA is hosting an MLK Poetry Jazz event from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the University Center. The event will feature musician Verb Kulture and other poets and musicians. Tickets are for sale online for $21.25.
MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service
A free church service honoring King will go from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church. The service will be led by executive minister Rev. Christopher Lee.
Zeb Strong, Jr. MLK Day of Service
Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, volunteers can gather for community assignments at Mission Arlington-Mission Metroplex. The first 500 volunteers will receive a commemorative MLK T-shirt, and can win awards for the largest youth organization or group and the largest organization or group. Volunteers will need to print and sign a waiver for participation
MLK Day of Service Festival
Join community members for a free event celebrating the contributions of Arlington’s MLK volunteers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the City Center Plaza. The festival will showcase an MLK essay winner, local dance troupes, a band and informational videos about MLK.
MLK Youth Extravaganza
Join a massed elementary school choir of 300 members, the Step-by-Step dancers and Bud Remynse Elementary school drummers from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Fielder Church Metro Center. The free event is set to hear remarks from Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and AISD Superintendent Matt Smith. The event will close with the AISD Step Show winners from elementary, junior high and high schools.
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