As with almost every event over the past year, the events surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will look much different this year due to COVID-19. NBC 5’s Alanna Quillen reports.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be honored on Monday, January 18 this year. The day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15.
As with almost every event over the past year, the events surrounding MLK Day will look much different this year due to COVID-19.
NBC DFW has worked to gather a list of events across North Texas to honor the Civil Rights leader. You can see them below.
- You can visit Tarrant County College's MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit now through January 18. This virtual experience focuses on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and significant moments that occurred during the civil rights movement. It also contains a curated list of resources and information on how we can continue Dr. King's legacy. Click here for more information.
- Starting on January 14, the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum will honor the Pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement with events that encourage peace, unity, and hope. They will also celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and recognize those who assisted in leading the country as change agents for Social Justice. The events run through January 18. You can click here for more information.
- Arlington's "Advancing The Dream" Celebration is an event for all ages! The four-day celebration will offer free virtual programs that will empower the DFW community! Events include: An awards banquet, day of service, step show, "Poetry Meets Jazz" event and MORE! The events start on January 15 and run through January 18. Click here for more information.
- "King Boulevard" is a film that "…depicts the perplexing phenomena of many Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd streets being located in blighted neighborhoods." Join the creators of the film for a free virtual block party where attendees will hear from the creative team behind the project, take part in a community panel, and enjoy spoken word & musical guest. This event takes place on January 17 at 3 p.m. Click here for more information. Kenner's Kolache Bakery on 2812 South Cooper Street in Arlington is offering two free kolaches to every volunteer during the week of January 18-24. 2021. In order to receive kolaches, you must show your posting using the #MLKDAYOFSERVICE hashtag.
- Next Generation Action Network will host a socially distant march on Monday, Jan. 18. The event starts at 11 a.m. People will meet at Forest Park on Gould Street and will walk down Holmes Street to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Face masks are required and people will be asked to social distance.
- The city of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will be hosting events all week. On Monday, there will be a 2021 MLK Youth Summit hosted virtually at 6 p.m. Click here to RSVP. On Tuesday, Jan. 19, there with be a wreath-laying ceremony streamed online at 10 a.m. Guest speakers include MLK Advisory Board Chair Dr. Jerry Christian, Dallas mayor Eric Johnson and city councilman Adam Bazaldua. On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the center will host a virtual job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here to register. On Friday the MLK 2021 Equity Symposium runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The City of Dallas and the Communities Foundation of Texas will host a critical conversation on building an equitable and inclusive economic bounce back. You can find more information on the center's events by clicking here.
- On Monday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m., Teach for American DFW is hosting a webinar for families and students to learn lessons from the civil rights movement. The former president of the Tarrant County Black Historical Society will share some of her lived experiences during this historical time period. Children activists from Fort Worth ISD’s My Brother’s Keeper and other North Texas children will talk with Mrs. Walker and ask her questions. There will be a virtual field trip to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Click here to access the free webinar. And starting at 9 a.m., NBC 5's Laura Harris will host a story time through her Facebook page on Black history reading a favorite from Melanin Origins books.
- The DeSoto Public Library is hosting a "Dream Big" art show. The library is inviting the public to create art inspired by King’s values. Entries will be accepted through Feb. 26 and the art pieces will be displayed starting March 1. Free art supplies are available at the library. Right now, visitors can also take selfies at MLK Day and Black History Month photo op stations set up inside.
- On Monday, Jan. 18, the Zula B. Wylie Public Library in Cedar Hill will present an online tribute to King with performances by Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Cedar Hill High School Choir. The free event starts at 6 p.m. and you can watch the performances online by clicking here.
- On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum presents a webinar called Looking Back at 2020: Racism, Antisemitism and Public Safety Challenges in Dallas. It features opening remarks by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and a panel discussion with city leaders including incoming Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Rabbi Andrew Paley and others. Mary Pat Higgins, president and CEO of the museum, will moderate. The event is free but you must register by clicking here.
- Colleyville Heritage High School will host an MLK Day of Service donation drive on Monday, Jan. 18. The socially distant event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. They're asking for donations of snack foods and toiletry items for students in need. Donations will be collected in a drive-thru format. Click here for more information.
If you know of any other MLK Day events that we should know about, click here.
