Arlington’s MLK Day celebration postponed due to COVID-19 surge
Arlington has postponed a host of events honoring Martin Luther King Jr., including an awards banquet, jazz poetry performances and an exhibit at each event showing a timeline of Martin Luther King’s efforts and accomplishments, due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the region and across the nation, according to a news release from the city.
The city will eventually host six events as part of the Advancing the Dream Celebration, originally scheduled to lead into MLK Day, though a new date has not yet been set.
Here’s a look at what was originally planned. These events may change, and this story will be updated when a new schedule for the events is released.
MLK Advancing the Dream Awards Banquet ($65 in-person tickets, $25 virtual access)
Local students who entered contests for art and essays will be honored with awards in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at UT Arlington. The banquet will feature guest speaker the Rev. William Barber and a performance from Brittany Bree, a 2021 contestant on “The Voice.” In-person tickets, with limited seating, include dinner for $65. They can be purchased at UTAtickets.com.
MLK Poetry Meets Jazz ($20 tickets)
Verb Kulture Poetry and Joel McCray Jazz Band will meet at the Bluebonnet Ballroom at UT Arlington for performances. Tickets are $20. They can be purchased at UTAtickets.com.
MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service (Free)
St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington will host a service focusing on hope and celebration with a sermon by the Rev. Kennedy Jones, pastor of the Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church, and special performances. Admission is free.
Zoe Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee hopes to get hundreds of volunteers involved in work across the city. The first 500 volunteers to meet at Mission Arlington Mission Metroplex will receive a 2022 Arlington MLK Celebration T-shirt. Assignments and any necessary tools will be given to volunteers and volunteer groups at Mission Arlington Mission Metroplex.
MLK Day of Service Festival
Arlington City Hall Plaza, between City Hall and George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, will play host to a celebration of music, art, essays and stories, with live performances. The event is free.
MLK Youth Extravaganza
Students from elementary schools across Arlington will be joined by special guests to recognize the work and impacts of Martin Luther King Jr. at Fielder Church Metro Center. The celebration will include song, rap, dance and drumming. Admission is free.
This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 5:30 AM.