Published on January 09, 2026





From left to right, Chris Howell and Dominique Bryant Howell, Dr. Jason Shelton, and Judge Kenneth D. Sanders.

By Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee, Inc. 

The Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee honors three local leaders with its 2026 “Advancing the Dream” Awards in Education, Government, and Community Awards. The recognitions highlight outstanding contributions in community service, education, and government.

Chris Howell and Dominique Bryant Howell, co-founders of the Chris Howell Foundation, received the Community Award for their work addressing food insecurity, health disparities, and access to education. Under their leadership, the foundation has served more than 105,000 families, distributed over three million pounds of food, and provided thousands of school supplies and toys to children across North Texas.

Dr. Jason E. Shelton, professor of sociology and director of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, earned the Education Award. Shelton is a nationally recognized scholar whose research explores race, religion, and social attitudes. He has authored two books and numerous articles in leading academic journals. His expertise has been featured by major media outlets including The New York Times and NPR.

Judge Kenneth D. Sanders, Justice of the Peace for Tarrant County Precinct 7, received the Government Award. Tarrant County Precinct 7 covers portions of Arlington. A Fort Worth native and graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Sanders brings leadership experience from careers at Lockheed Martin and General Motors to his role in public service. He emphasizes accessibility and fairness in the justice system.

The awardees will be honored at the annual Arlington MLK “Advancing the Dream” Awards Gala Jan. 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Ballroom inside the E.H. Hereford University Center, located at 300 W. First St., in Arlington. Tickets are available for purchase. Individual tickets are $89, and reserved tables (seating eight) are $2,080 each. Learn more about the 2026 “Advancing the Dream” Four-Day Celebration at arlingtontx.gov/mlk.