Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in these Dallas-area MLK Day events
What is on your family to-do list this January? Perhaps you are looking for a family get-away and one of these cozy cabins near Dallas might fit the bill, or maybe you want to stay close to home for some family fun with these winter activities. But no matter what your January plans consist of, take a moment to recognize the life of one of America’s most prominent civil rights activists, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are plenty of family-friendly events happening in the Dallas area on and leading up to this federal holiday.
1. Take Part in a Wreath Laying Ceremony
Attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the MLK mural at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and learn more about the legacy of Dr. King from guest speakers - Honorable Mayor Eric Johnson and Council Member Adam Bazaldua.
Date: Jan. 10
2922 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasmlkcenter.com
2. Attend a Youth Summit
Learn how to become a leader engaged in civic affairs and public policy by joining the Youth Commission in the Dallas City Hall Lobby for an enlightening Youth Summit.
Date: Jan. 12
1500 Marilla St.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasmlkcenter.com
3. Join in a Day of Prayer
Presented by Faith Forward Dallas and the City of Dallas, spend time with others at the Latino Cultural Center for a Day of Prayer.
Date: Jan. 12
2600 Live Oak St.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasmlkcenter.com
4. Celebrate with a Candle Lighting Ceremony
Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., you can honor the life of Dr. King at this Candle Lighting Ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.
Date: Jan. 13
2901 Pennsylvania Ave.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasmlkcenter.com
5. Lend a Hand with the MLK Clean Team
You can help beautify a Dallas neighborhood by volunteering your time as part of the MLK Clean Team Initiative.
Date: Jan. 14
2922 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Dallas, TX
Online: eventbrite.com
6. Learn About the “I Have a Dream” Speech
Your kiddos can earn a reading certificate after they check out the interactive wall of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Dallas Public Library - Prairie Creek Branch as part of the library’s MLK Celebration.
Date: Jan. 14
9609 Lake June Rd.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
7. See the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Start off the holiday by attending a parade hosted by H.E.L.P. and the City of Dallas. Featuring approximately 250 entries, this parade is full of floats, marching bands, dance and drill teams, youth groups, and community organizations all celebrating the historic accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade begins at 10 a.m. sharp.
Date: Jan. 16
Holmes St. and MLK Jr. Blvd.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasmlkcenter.com
8. Visit the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo
This community event at the African American Museum of Dallas features wellness and financial literacy workshops, health screenings, performances, a vendor marketplace, and more.
Date: Jan. 16
3536 Grand Ave.
Dallas, TX
Online: realizingthedreamexpo.com
9. Enjoy a MLK Day of Service Festival
Held in the Arlington City Center Plaza, this family-friendly event full of entertainment and local vendors is a community favorite.
Date: Jan. 16
100 S Center St.
Arlington, TX
Online: arlingtontx.gov
10. Donate to the HHOH Wall of Love
The Wall of Love is all about paying it forward. Community members can donate items to the Wall of Love event by January 7th, and then on MLK Day, free items will be available for anyone in need.
Date: Jan. 16
1819 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Dallas, TX
Online: northtexasgivingday.org
11. Participate in a Peace March
With special performances followed by a peace march, this community celebration is an excellent way to honor the legacy of Dr. King. The keynote speaker will even be the Goddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Donzaleigh Abernathy.
Date: Jan. 22
285 Uptown Blvd.
Cedar Hill, TX
Online: cedarhilltx.com
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