Arlington Remembers the Contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.

By Office of Communication

Posted on January 17, 2013, January 17, 2013

MLK "Sharing the Dream' Celebration Begins Friday, January 18

In celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Arlington residents and visitors from across the region are expected to take part in the four-day Arlington MLK "Sharing the Dream' Celebration 2013. Organizers expect this year's celebration to be one of the largest in the country with events for the entire family.

One of the weekend's biggest highlights is the annual "Sharing the Dream' awards and scholarship banquet being held Friday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the E.H. Herford University Center's Bluebonnet Ballroom, 300 W. First St. The winners of the art and essay contests will be recognized along with "Sharing the Dream' community award winners. This year's theme is "Speak Out. Be Heard. Change the World,' and features three unique perspectives from community voices, including Marc Marchand of the Arlington Public Library, Mission Arlington's Tillie Burgin and local historian Dr. Marvin Dulaney. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at www.utatickets.com.

On Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m., some of the region's best poets will compete for the $1,000 top prize during "An Evening of Spoken Word,' in the UT-Arlington Bluebonnet Ball room. Admission is $15 and tickets may be purchased at www.utatickets.com.

Earlier in the day, Arlington students will compete in the MLK Step Competition at Arlington High School, 818 Park Row Drive. The event begins at 11 a.m. Admission is $10 at the door, $5 for elementary students and all children under age 5. The "Sharing the Dream' Multicultural Festival returns to Tarrant County College at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, providing entertainment and a sampling of cultural foods. This event is free!

Arlington residents are invited to participate in MLK Day of Service activities on Monday, January 21. More than 3,000 volunteers are needed to complete assignments throughout the city. The day begins at 8:00 a.m. with a breakfast and economic opportunity fair for military veterans and their families at the UT-Arlington Maverick Athletics Center, 500 Nedderman Drive. Visit www.ArlingtonMLK.com to learn more about available volunteer opportunities.

"The Arlington MLK Celebration is truly a community celebration that's been going strong for 24 wonderful years,' said Nita Haliburton, event chairperson. "It's our chance to reflect and serve.'

"Dr. King's dream lives on in Arlington in so many ways,' said co-chair Felisha Battles. " A special thanks to our founding organizers, event sponsors, volunteers, award winners and all who have helped to make this celebration one of the best in the country.'

For a complete list of Arlington events and to learn more about the Arlington MLK Celebration, visitwww.ArlingtonMLK.com.