In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15, 2024, the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission has planned several central Arkansas events that embodying the spirit of unity, compassion, and service.   

 “We believe that Dr. King's dream can only be fully realized through collective efforts and shared experiences,” DuShun Scarbrough, executive director of the Arkansas commission, said. “This event is not just a commemoration; it's a call to action for unity, understanding, and positive change. The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission extends a warm invitation to everyone to join in this celebration of diversity, compassion, and his message of nonviolence on what would have been his 95th birthday. Let us honor Dr. King's legacy by coming together as one community, fostering a spirit of unity that transcends boundaries.” 

 Below is a list of events scheduled for January 15 and contact information to learn more. Information about the events also is available on the commission’s website at
https://arkingdream.org/. Free bus routes in partnership with Rock Region Metro will be provided that day along central Arkansas bus routes.  

• 2024 Hensley/Woodson Day of Service Community Cleanup, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Highway 365 and Main Street, Woodson, AR 72180. The cleanup is hosted by the Ossie Barnes Empowerment Foundation. For more information, call (501) 291-2007.  

• 2024 Day of Impact Food Giveaway, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 906 Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201. The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a massive free food giveaway, ensuring that families in need have access to nourishing meals. Embodying Dr. King's vision of a community where no one is left behind, food items will be available via drive-through on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. 

• 2024 MLK Unity Celebration Ceremony, 5:30 p.m., North Shore Riverwalk Park, Willow Street and Riverfront Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114. The ceremony will bring together people from all walks of life. Live music, inspirational speeches, and collaborative activities will foster an environment of togetherness, echoing the principles championed by Dr. King. 

• MLK Birthday Bash and Fireworks Extravaganza, 6 p.m., North Shore Riverwalk Park, Willow Street and Riverfront Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114. The fireworks display will serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration, mirroring Dr. King's dream of a brighter future. There will be a special guest celebrity appearance by Vivica A. Fox, an Arkansas MLK Commission ambassador, actress, and producer.  

• Watch Party, 6:30 p.m. at the Little Rock Marriott Lobby, 3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, AR 72201. The commission is partnering with Fox 16 to watch the interview Fox’s Donna Terrell did with Yolanda King, Dr. King’s granddaughter. Yolanda King is honoring her grandparents with what she describes as a love letter on what would have been Dr. King’s 95th birthday. 

 About The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 

 The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is dedicated to promoting Dr. King's dream of equality, justice, and peace through education and community outreach programs. By engaging with various communities across Arkansas, the commission works toward fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among all citizens.  

 Learn more about the commission at https://arkingdream.org/, and follow the commission @AMLKC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.