Arlington plans big MLK Banquet in 2009

by PegNews wire

Authors, artists and champions of the homeless Ron Hall and Denver Moore - who combined to write Same Kind of Different as Me (2006) - will serve as keynote speakers at the Jan. 16 "Sharing the Dream" banquet, at Bluebonnet Ballroom-E.H. Hereford University Center on the campus of UT Arlington.

The banquet - to which you may purchase tickets online beginning today, Dec. 22 - marks the kickoff event for four days of MLK celebrations in Arlington. On the banquet agenda are presentations of the 2009 "Sharing the Dream" awards in Education, Government and Community Service; also on tap is a reading of the winning "Sharing the Dream" essay by its author, Lamar High School Senior Michael Schmidt and an unveiling of the winning entry in the "Sharing the Dream" art contest, which was created by Bowie High School senior Tu Vu.

New Orleans jazz percussionist Adonis Rose and the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra will provide a special musical tribute in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Arlington event.

Says Banquet Chair Lisa Thompson: “Ron Hall and Denver Moore tell a wonderful story of compassion and love for all. Through their artistic works, they are changing the way we view ourselves and others in the community.”

Tickets cost $30 each.

Other events on the MLK weekend agenda include a step show competition, multicultural festival, financial planning seminar, spoken word/slam poetry and worship service. On the official holiday, Monday, Jan. 19, the Youth Extravaganza is holiday music and drama presentations at the Metro Center at Fielder Road Baptist Church featuring more than 400 students. For more information (including a schedule of events), go here.

posted by JM