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.\u2019s legacy Jan. 16-19.<\/p>\n
The \u201cAdvancing the Dream\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Troy Williams, the city\u2019s 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\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
\u201cA one-day event has now evolved and grown into a four-day event that\u2019s kind of woven into the fabric and nature of the community,\u201d Williams said. \u201cIt\u2019s just a continued demonstration of how unique the collective community of Arlington is.\u201d<\/p>\n
For 37 years, the event has grown to not only teach about King\u2019s impact, but also to inspire future generations to create their own change.<\/p>\n
The celebrations include handing out scholarships to students who participate in essay and art contests focused on King\u2019s work and showcasing performances of local students.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Williams said the philanthropic side of the celebrations allows the community to invest in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s both a moment to be celebrated, but it\u2019s also just as important to make an investment in the long-term future of our young people in our city,\u201d Williams said.<\/p>\n
For more information on the celebration\u2019s events schedule, see below or click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAdvancing the Dream\u201d events The celebrations will kick off with a gala hosted on the UT-Arlington campus. During the night, scholarships and awards tied to \u201cAdvancing the Dream\u201d 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\u2019s first Black mayor and council member<\/a>, Elzie Odom.<\/p>\n When: Doors open at 6:15 p.m., the event begins at 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Bluebonnet Ballroom, UT Arlington E.H. Hereford University Center, 300 W. First St.<\/p>\n Price: $89 for individual tickets. To buy a ticket, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jan. 17<\/p>\n 18 student step groups from Arlington ISD will perform at James Bowie High.\u00a0<\/p>\n When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: James Bowie High School, 2101 Highbank Drive<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Explore Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s poetry to the tones of jazz music on the UT-Arlington campus. The event will include six poets and a DJ.<\/p>\n When: The event starts at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: E.H. Hereford University Center, Bluebonnet Ballroom, 300 W. First St.<\/p>\n Price: Admission is $21.25. To buy tickets, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jan. 18<\/p>\n The Rev. Christopher M. Lee, the executive presbyter of Grace Presbytery in Irving, will lead \u201cAdvancing the Dream\u2019s\u201d annual ecumenical service at the First Presbyterian Church.\u00a0<\/p>\n When: 6-7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins St.<\/p>\n Price: The service is free to attend.<\/p>\n Jan. 19<\/p>\n People can get involved with the spirit of service by volunteering during the Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service at Mission Metroplex.\u00a0<\/p>\n When: 9 a.m.-noon<\/p>\n Where: Mission Metroplex, 400 W. South St.<\/p>\n To sign up to volunteer, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: City Center Plaza, 100 S. Center St. 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.<\/p>\n When: 6-7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Fielder Church Metro Center, 2011 S. Fielder Road<\/p>\n Price: Admission is free.<\/p>\n Chris Moss is a reporter for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nJan. 16<\/p>\n
Price: Admission is free.<\/p>\n