Arkansans will celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a variety of events this week and next. Due to the pandemic, some are virtual and in-person events may change.
MLK Prayer Breakfast at the University of Central Arkansas
9 a.m. Friday in Room 205 of the Ronnie Williams Student Center, 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway.
State Rep. Jamie Scott will speak at this annual event. Attendees to register by Jan. 13 by emailing diversity@uca.edu. A to-go breakfast will be distributed after the program.
Caravan of Love in Action
8 a.m. Monday starting at MLK Elementary School, 905 State Capitol, Little Rock.
Central Arkansans have organized a caravan to honor King's legacy and counter the invitation-only prayer breakfast put on by the the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission that will feature former Gov. Mike Huckabee.
MLK Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
Monday
This event from the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission will feature former Gov. Mike Huckabee as the keynote speaker. Attendance is by invitation only, due to the pandemic.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Litter Cleanup
9 a.m. to noon Monday just inside Interstate Park at 3900 S. Arch St., Little Rock.
Keep Little Rock Beautiful invites community members to join in a day of service by picking up litter along the highway. Materials will be provided, but it is recommended volunteers wear sturdy shoes and a reusable water bottle.
MLK Challenge 2022: Building the Beloved Community
10 a.m. Monday on Zoom
This virtual event by Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is designed for children ages 12-18, who will have the chance to hear from local community activists. Participants will receive a Zoom link upon registration. https://www.facebook.com/events/1027290824499977
MLK Marade
10 a.m. Monday, live on Facebook and YouTube
Hear from civil rights leaders during the virtual MLK Marade. The Marade is an annual event organized by the Little Rock branch of the NAACP. https://itlrnaacp.wixsite.com/naacp/marade
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lonoke Love Parade
10:30 a.m. Monday starting at the 400 block of South Center Street, Lonoke.
The alumni of George Washington Carver High School invite people to decorate a car or float or simply line Center Street to celebrate King’s legacy. https://www.facebook.com/CarverAlumniLonoke/photos/gm.604418497491962/2164299617061391
King Holiday Day of Impact
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday at Catholic High School, 6300 Father Tribou St., Little Rock.
This event, put on by the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, will have free food, a job fair, health screenings, a car and bike show, a vaccination clinic and more.
https://arkingdream.org/events
Revisiting Broken Systems
5:30 p.m. Jan. 18 on Zoom
The University of Central Arkansas is participating in the National Day of Racial Healing with this panel, featuring several speakers. Participants will receive the Zoom link upon registration. https://uca.edu/outreach/conversations/?fbclid=IwAR3nn-a2_LFDnA468JnaZXmkqE_2Qndl_yMR66uUotRQArRB5Jo1yNn3Ez0
Beyond Washington
6 p.m. Jan. 20 live on Facebook
Mosaic Templars is hosting this virtual event, which seeks to explore King's speeches after the March on Washington with a focus on his 1967 speech, "The Other America." https://www.facebook.com/events/252561453484530
The State of Diversity and Equity in Arkansas
6 p.m. Jan. 20 on Zoom
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a virtual panel to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors of the state. Speakers will include UALR professors and community professionals. https://ualr-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdu-rpzojHdEkv-tINSyqd7CWQPdTZF9v
CALS’ Racial Healing program series
The Central Arkansas Library system has organized three different programs and events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day: a poetry workshop, a painting workshop and a gardening project. https://cals.org/martin-luther-king-jr