-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968 The mission of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is to promote and preserve the life and legacy of Dr. King in the State of Arkansas.
The AMLKC is guided by Dr. King’s mission and philosophy of love, tolerance, and nonviolence. It strives for social improvement in Arkansas, helping communities and organizations achieve new leadership and public service levels. The AMLKC works directly with youth and others, encouraging them to embrace alternatives to violence and discover their common humanity. Through activities that stress racial and cultural diversity, the AMLKC offers Arkansans a new understanding of their important roles in the communities, now and in the future.
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host the 2023 Nonviolence Youth Summit on Thursday, May 11, 2023, Stuttgart Junior High School Gymnasium. Breakout sessions will take place from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. The keynote session which begins at 10:00 AM, is open to the public and will feature a presentation on nonviolence, the importance fatherhood, and anti-bullying by renowned actor, Lamman Rucker. Kevin Kelly, Fox 16 and Victory Over Violence will speak about bullying, Comedian Keith "Keef" Glason will perform a comedy set.
According to Stopbullying.gov, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, bullying diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. "Nonviolence and bullying awareness go hand in hand, it is the Commission's goal to work with the school districts to promote a culture of nonviolence that would encourage proactive measures to prevent bullying,"says DuShun Scarbrough, Executive Director. The Commission asks the
public to bring non-perishable food, canned good, and personal hygiene items to assist residents impacted by the recent tornado. Donations may be dropped off at Stuttgart High School.
"We are excited about the opportunity to host programming in Stuttgart. Their residents and youth have done a tremendous job volunteering at events hosted by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission throughout the state. They've traveled with us to Washington, D.C., Dumas, Blytheville, and even Little Rock. The Commission looks forward to educating young people about the King legacy of nonviolence and providing an opportunity for the Stuttgart community to participate in community service by helping individuals impacted by the recent tornado," says Scarbrough.
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will also honor community leaders who have made significant strides in community service.
Joe Alexander, Jr.
Eplunus Colvin
Paul Colvin
Kylia Neasley
Jennifer White
Vincent White
Frank Bledsaw
Robert Chambers
Jeff McKinney, Superintendent
Pam Dean, Stuttgart High School Principal
Latara Robinson, Stuttgart Junior High School
Lamman Rucker, Actor Keynote Speaker
Kevin Kelly, Fox 16 News Anchor Keynote Speaker