2009 CELEBRATION

VIEW THE 2009 EVENTS FLYER (pdf)

20th Anniversary
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2009 “Sharing the Dream” Celebration
January 16-19, 2009

Inspiring Artists, Authors Headline Arlington 2009 MLK Banquet

Ron Hall and Denver Moore tell an unforgettable story of courage, triumph, and friendship. A wealthy international art dealer befriends a drifter from Louisiana whose lives are forever changed when they meet in a homeless shelter in Fort Worth.

Today, they are inspiring artists, public speakers and authors of the best-seller, “Same Kind of Different As Me.” In 2006, Moore was presented a Philanthropist of the Year Award for his work with homeless in Tarrant County.

Hall and Moore will headline the Sharing the Dream Banquet on Jan. 16 as keynote speakers. Banquet Chairperson Lisa Thompson said their life experiences are closely aligned with this year’s theme: “Caring, Connecting and Communicating in the Community.”
“Ron Hall and Denver Moore tell a wonderful story of compassion and love for all,” she said. “Through their artistic works, they are changing the way we view ourselves and others in the community.”

The Awards Banquet is the kick-off event for the 20th anniversary Sharing the Dream celebration. Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 22. Click here to purchase online at www.UTATickets.com.

Meet the authors: Book Signing and Art Show at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 in the UT-Arlington Gallery located in the University Center.

About the Banquet

The banquet is the official opening of the four-day “Sharing the Dream” celebration. The program includes presentations of the 2008 “Sharing the Dream” Awards in Education, Government and Community Service. New Orleans’ jazz percussionist Adonis Rose and the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra returns for a special 20th anniversary tribute. Tickets are $30.
At the banquet: Lamar High School Senior Michael Schmidt will read his winning essay. Arlington will also meet the MLK Art Contest winner Tu Vu, a senior at James Bowie High School. More than $4,000 in scholarships and U.S. Savings Bonds to be awarded.
The banquet is followed by events, which include a step show competition, multicultural festival, financial planning seminar, spoken word/slam poetry and worship service.

On the official holiday, the Youth Extravaganza is holiday music and drama performances on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Metro Center featuring more than 400 students under the direction of the Arlington ISD Department of Fine Arts.

Read the essays, view winning art submissions and complete schedule of 2009 Arlington MLK events.

"Sharing The Dream" Awards

Nominations are now open for "Sharing the Dream" Community Awards.
Click here for an online nomination form

Congratulations 2009 MLK Art and Essay Contest Winners

This annual competition provides scholarships and U.S. Savings Bonds to Arlington area youths whose essays and artwork best represent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and the movement for racial justice and equality. The 2009 theme: “Caring, Connecting and Communicating in the Community.”

The “Sharing the Dream” Art Competition is open to junior high and high schools students who reside in Arlington. The “Sharing the Dream” Essay Competition is open to Arlington are high school seniors.

The winning art design will appear on T-shirts and marketing materials associated with the 20th Anniversary “Sharing the Dream” Celebration. Winning artwork will be on exhibit in the UT Arlington Gallery.

Winning writer will read essay during the “Sharing the Dream” Banquet on Jan. 16.

"Sharing the Dream" Art Contest Winners

First Place - $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond
Tu Vu, Bowie High School, Senior
Click here to view winning artwork

Second Place - $750 U.S. Savings Bond
Sarah Tran, Martin High School, Junior
Click here to view Second Place art

Third Place - $500 U.S. Savings Bond
Tran Le, Sam Houston High School, Senior
Click here to view Third Place art

“Sharing the Dream” Essay Contest Winners

First Place - $1,000 Scholarship
Michael Schmidt, Lamar High School, Senior
Click here to read winning essay

Second Place - $750 Scholarship
JoAnn Emale, James Bowie High School, Senior
Click here to read Second Place essay

Third Place - $500 Scholarship
Jessica Jordan, Juan Seguin High School, Senior
Click here to read Third Place essay

A special thanks to all contest participants and judges!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Sharing the Dream” Celebration
Events Calendar 2009
Arlington, Texas

Friday, Jan. 16, 2009
5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16, 2008
Book Signing and Art Reception
Meet Ron Hall and Denver Moore
UT-Arlington Art Gallery – University Center
300 W. First St.

6:30 p.m.
“Sharing the Dream” Awards Banquet
Keynote speakers: Ron Hall and Denver Moore
UT-Arlington Bluebonnet Ballroom
E.H. Hereford University Center
300 W. First St.
Tickets $30
Purchase online at www.UTAtickets.com
Complimentary Valet

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009
Noon
MLK “Sharing the Dream” Step-Off
Bowie High School Auditorium
Entry fee is $50 per team
Admission is $10 at the door
$5 Admission for children under age 5
Special $5 pre-sale tickets by calling 682-867-7393

3:30 p.m.
“Sharing the Dream” Multicultural Festival
Tarrant County College-Southeast Arlington
2100 Southeast Parkway
Arlington, Texas
*Also featuring Free Smart Money Sessions
Admission is free

7:30 p.m.
An Evening of Spoken Word Slam Poetry
UT Arlington Bluebonnet Ballroom
300 W. First St.
Admission is $15
Purchase online at www.UTAtickets.com
(This event is for adults age 18 and over)

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009
6 p.m.
“Sharing the Dream” Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service
First United Methodist Church
313 N. Center St.
Arlington, Texas
Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Michael Evans
Holiday Reception to follow service

Monday, Jan. 19, 2009
7 p.m.
“Sharing the Dream” Youth Extravaganza
Metro Center on the campus of the Fielder Road Baptist Church
1323 W. Pioneer Parkway
Arlington, Texas
Admission is free

For more information, call the MLK Event Hotline at 817-459-6430 or 817-459-6404.

Click here to download PDF flyer/poster of MLK Events – Coming Soon