The "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most unforgettable speeches in American history. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy is celebrated with parades, art, music and culture throughout DFW. Many celebrate his legacy by volunteering. It strengthens communities, bridges barriers and creates a day on -- not a day off. People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can get involved -- just check with your community for opportunities.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963.
1. The 31st Annual MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration - Dallas
Candle Lighting Ceremony:7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013; Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, Texas 75215
March and Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013; Start: Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St., Stage: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Silent Auction: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013; Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75207
Awards Banquet: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013; Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75207
2. 27th Annual Elite News MLK Parade and Festival
What: The Annual Elite News Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Festival is a 27 year old historical community celebration founded on tradition, heritage and commitment. With more than 250,000+ annual attendees, the parade ranks as one of the Top 5 celebrations commemorating Dr. King in the country. The 27th annual Elite News MLK Day at Fair Park will feature 200 entries such as floats, marching bands, color guards, drill teams, clowns, vehicles, walkers and more. The festival in Fair Park's Tower Building will feature a health fair, a gospel concert, poetry and story telling performances, a fashion show, children's activities, vendor booths and more.
Parade details: The Parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m., at the corner of MLK Blvd. & Lamar Street and line up at 7:30 a.m. The parade will proceed down MLK Blvd. to Fair Park. The MLK festival doors will open at 10 a.m.. at the Tower Building in Fair Park until 6 p.m.
When: Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10 a.m.
Where: Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas
3. 2013 Plano MLK Day
The City of Plano has a lot of events planed or MLK Day 201. Follow the link for complete details. Here are just a few:Community Unity Walk: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11 a.m. Assembly begins at 10:15 am at the staging area; DART Rail Parker Road Station, North Parking Lot, 2600 Archerwood St. Grand Marshall: Dr. Carey Israel, Pres. Collin College.
4. A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2013
What: The 30th Annual Black Music and the Civil Rights Movement Concert: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. This moving tribute reflects on Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and celebrates a new nationwide spirit of continuance change with potent film footage, narration, music and dance.
For three consecutive decades, this moving tribute reflects on Dr. King's philosophy and celebrates the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This compelling evening of film footage, narration, music and dance is entertaining and full of remarkable history. The concert features Grammy nominee Ledisi.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2013
Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Downtown Dallas Arts District, 2501 Flora Street, Dallas, TX
Tickets: $15-$30
5. MLK 2013 Parade Carrollton
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by watching a parade through Carrollton. The parade will start on Jamestown Street (behind Carrollton City Hall) and proceed west to Josey Lane; south on Josey Lane to Keller Springs; east on Keller Springs to Kelly Boulevard; south on Kelly Boulevard to end at Ted Polk Middle School at 2001 Kelly Boulevard. The parade is sponsored by Christ Community Connections, in partnership with the City of Carrollton. Details: 972-242-0933.When: January 19, 2013 at 10 a.m.
6. 2013 Fort Worth MLK Parade
Fort Worth’s annual tribute to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. steps off at 11 a.m. on Monday Jan. 21, 2013. The parade begins at Ninth and Commerce streets, heads north on Commerce, west on Weatherford Street and south on Houston before winding down at Water Gardens Plaza.
7. Arlington's MLK Day of Service 2013
The Arlington MLK Day of Service will take place on Monday, January 21, 2013. The goal is to get at least 500 volunteers to serve throughout the community. Various tasks will be assigned throughout the community. Each volunteer will be asked to serve two hours. On the day of service all volunteers will meet at UTA\Maverick Athletics Center, 500 Nedderman Drive, Arlington Texas, at 9 a.m. for assignments and light refreshments. The first 250 volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt recognizing the 2013 Arlington MLK Celebration.To volunteer, visit the website or contact Toni Kincaid at tkincaid@graphiccommunications.com or 817-472-7963.
8. The 21st Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition - 2013
The 21st Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition. Semi-Finals: Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Dallas ISD Headquarters Auditorium. Finals: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre, Downtown Dallas. Theme for Speeches: “If you could talk directly to Dr. King about your dream for our future, what would you tell him?”9. 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibit - Frisco
Here's a great exhibit for elementary school children. A special Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibit is set for Monday, Jan 21, 2012 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Frisco Public Library Frisco.Check out the interactive exhibit highlighting Dr. King's life and the civil rights struggle. This exhibit is come and go located in the Children's Program Room on the 2nd floor.
Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Boulevard #3000, Frisco, TX 75034. 972-292-5669
