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MLK Events to Span Jan. 18-24
Written By: Rachel Putman
The River Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, in partnership with the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, will host a series of events from January 18 to January 24 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme, “Be the Change You Want to See!”, underscores the importance of personal responsibility in continuing Dr. King’s mission of equality and justice.
The week-long slate of events will feature a scholarship banquet, an ecumenical service, a community breakfast, the highly anticipated return of the downtown parade, and a series of educational lectures on the AV¶¶Ňő campus.
Dr. Carolyn Mosley, president of the River Valley Dr. MLK Jr. Commission, highlighted the significance of the week’s theme, saying, “Each year, a day is identified for us to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who fought for the rights and dignity of everyone,” Mosley said. “However, this day of celebration should also serve as an important reaffirmation of our responsibility and commitment to making the future better for everyone! Thus, our theme—Be the Change You Want to See!”
The events begin Saturday, January 18, with the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet at 6 p.m. in the Reynolds Room at AV¶¶Ňő, 5210 Grand Ave. Tickets are $50 and can be reserved by emailing fortsmithmlk@gmail.com or calling 504-427-4013. Dr. Chris Jones will deliver the keynote speech.
Dr. Jones, an Arkansas native, made history as the first African American major party nominee for Governor of Arkansas in 2022. Born in Pine Bluff to two preachers, Dr. Jones cultivated a passion for service and leadership early in life. He attended Morehouse College, earning dual degrees in physics and math before advancing to MIT, where he completed two master’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Technology and Policy, as well as a Ph.D. in Urban Planning.
His career has spanned various roles, from teaching high school math to leading community organizations like the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston. Dr. Jones also directed the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in his home state. An ordained minister, he integrates faith with community action, exemplified by his recent book, Quantum Pearls, a 30-day devotional. Dr. Jones lives in Little Rock with his wife, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, an Emergency Medicine.
The weekend events continue Sunday, January 19, at 6 p.m. with the Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High St. Rev. William L. Robinson of First Baptist Church in North Little Rock will deliver the evening’s message.
Rev. Robinson is a lifelong Arkansan, distinguished pastor, and community leader with over 40 years of service. A graduate of Central High School in Little Rock, he holds degrees from Arkansas Baptist College and Jackson Theological Seminary. Called to the ministry at age 12, Rev. Robinson was ordained at 19 and became the youngest minister elected pastor of First Baptist Church of North Little Rock at age 21.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Robinson has been a leading figure in civic engagement, offering prayers at the inaugurations of Governors Bill Clinton and Mike Beebe. He has served on the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, the Union Rescue Mission board, and other community-focused organizations. Rev. Robinson also leads a 40-year-old radio ministry and has received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts. He continues to inspire through his commitment to spiritual leadership and community uplift.
On Monday, January 20, the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. in the Reynolds
Room at AV¶¶Ňő. This free event will feature remarks by Marsalis Weatherspoon, president
of the NAACP Hot Springs branch. Weatherspoon is a musician, educator, and public
servant from Hot Springs, Arkansas. A graduate of Henderson State University with
a Bachelor of Music in Composition, he has dedicated his life to enriching the arts
and serving his community. He has taught vocal and instrumental music in schools across
Arkansas and served as Minister of Music for the Malvern District of the Church of
God in Christ.
Weatherspoon’s community service includes board memberships with the Gateway Community Association and the Arts Academy of Learning. As president of the NAACP Hot Springs branch, he has spearheaded initiatives to promote equity and social justice across the state and nation. He is also the first Arkansan to complete the NextGen Young Professional Leadership Program. Weatherspoon, who began playing piano at age seven, continues to inspire through his music and community advocacy.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will start at 11 a.m. at 6th Street and Garrison Avenue. Community members and organizations are invited to participate by registering at fortsmithmlk@gmail.com or calling 504-427-4013.
AV¶¶Ňő will host panel discussions, lectures, and a Civil Rights display at the Boreham Library throughout the week. The AV¶¶Ňő Campus and Community Engagement office will host a peanut butter drive, benefitting the River Valley Regional Food Bank.
For more information, contact the River Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission
at fortsmithmlk@gmail.com.
Full Schedule of Events:
Saturday, January 18
6 p.m.: Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet at the Reynolds Room, AV¶¶Ňő
Speaker Dr. Chris JonesTickets: $50 (Contact fortsmithmlk@gmail.com or 504-427-4013)
Sunday, January 19
6 p.m.: Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High St.
Speaker Rev. William L. Robinson
Monday, January 20
7 a.m.: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast at Reynolds Room, AV¶¶Ňő, 5210 Grand Ave.
Speaker Marsalis Weatherspoon
11 a.m.: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on Garrison Avenue
Parade Participant Registration: Contact fortsmithmlk@gmail.com or 504-427-4013
Tuesday, January 21
Noon-1 p.m., at the Campus Center Fireplace
Viewing of Dr. King’s "The Time Is Always Right to Do the Right Thing" speech.
Wednesday, January 22
10-10:50 a.m., at the Campus Center Fireplace
Lecture on key U.S. Supreme Court cases advancing social justice, led by Dr. Farreol Hansen.
Thursday, January 23
Noon-1 p.m., at the Campus Center Fireplace
Discussion on the Literacy Council of Western Arkansas’ community work, led by CEO Bente Eriksen.
Friday, January 24
Noon-1 p.m., at the Campus Center Fireplace
Reflection on the Civil Rights Trail by Dr. Ann-Gee Lee.
Ongoing Activities
Civil Rights Display at AV¶¶Ňő Boreham Library.
Peanut Butter Drive at the AV¶¶Ňő CACE Office.