North Texas is commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a variety of events — from a youth summit and a volunteer project, to a musical extravaganza.
The city of Dallas is finishing up nearly two weeks of events that will continue through Jan. 25. Fort Worth and other cities in the Metroplex are also holding events on Monday.
Dallas
The City of Dallas’ theme for this year’s events is “Linking Many Cultures Together for One Dream.”
MLK March and Parade - Jan. 20
10 a.m. | The intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Holmes St.
The march will have over 250 entries including floats, marching bands, drill teams and dance troops.
National Day of Racial Healing - Jan. 21
9 - 11:45 a.m. | J. Erik Jonsson Central Library | 1515 Young St.
Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation will continue their community discussions and introduce racial healing techniques with stress management consultant Amanda Muhammad. The event will also include a conversation professor Mehrsa Baradaran, author of “The Color of Money: Black Banks and The Racial Wealth Gap.”
Evening Event:
7-9 p.m. | Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, and the Trinity River
Hosted by American Indian Heritage Day and Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, this event will explore the idea of what Dallas would be like if it was never colonized and native people maintained sovereignty.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.| Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum | 300 N Houston St.
Intended to empower students to become advocates, this event will include a town hall and sessions that will explore King’s legacy and impact.
Fort Worth
This year is the 35th annual MLK celebration for the City of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth MLK Parade - Jan. 20
11 a.m. | Intersection of Ninth St. and Commerce St.
The parade will start at 11 a.m. at Ninth and Commerce Streets, then head West on Ninth Street, North on Houston Street, East on Weatherford Street and South on Main Street. The celebration will end with a rally at Sundance Square Plaza from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Attendees can expect performances by step groups, dancers, high school bands, theater groups and drill teams.
Arlington
Arlington is hosting a service event and a musical event to celebrate King’s birthday.
MLK Day of Service Festival - Jan. 20
9 a.m. | University of Texas at Arlington
If you’d like to volunteer, report to the Maverick Activity Center at 500 Nedderman Dr. for an assignment. The first 150 volunteers to show up will receive free Arlington MLK t-shirts.
Youth Musical Extravaganza - Jan. 20
4 - 6 p.m. | Fielder Road Baptist Church | 1323 W. Pioneer Pkwy.
Attendees at this free event can look forward to an elementary school choir of 500, soloists, drummers, dancers and a step team performance.
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie is hosting its own parade to commemorate King's legacy.
Grand Prairie Parade - Jan. 20
10 a.m. | City Hall Plaza | 300 West Main St.
The parade will start at Grand Prairie City Hall, in front of the Liberty Bell, and end with a program honoring King’s legacy at Dalworth Recreation Center.
