Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'”
The Ozan-Inghram and Iron Mountain Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Celebration Committee will be celebrating its 24th prayer Breakfast and 13th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Acts of Kindness Gala, the weekend of January 16th -18th, 2016.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision still lives on and it is still making an impact in communities around the world. Many have chosen to move from the sidelines and do their part in changing the world. They have chosen to get involved in a BIG WAY and make a difference in Texarkana USA and the world at large.
Ozan-Inghram and Iron Mountain community leaders created this event to bring residents together to reflect, discuss and plan ways to advance Dr. King’s vision some twenty-four years ago. TODAY the residents still look forward to this memorable occasion. Over the MLK Weekend, diverse groups of individuals come together to support and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many rededicate themselves to the principles of Freedom and Justice. This weekend celebration is hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend Committee, Mrs. Barbara Pitts Riley, committee chairperson. Barbara has dedicated her life to keeping the King’s Dream alive in Texarkana USA and globally.
In conjunction with the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and National Service Act of 1994, the MLK Weekend Committee coordinates a series of activities and speakers across Texarkana USA. The 2016 program of events will include community service projects, youth community activities and various religious activities with a special emphasis on nonviolence. The highlighted activities are the Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast, the Sunday evening Black Tie Gala and on Monday morning a parade.
On Sunday evening at 7:05 p.m., January 17, 2016, The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Evening Black Tie Gala, will honor those in the Texarkana area who have distinguished themselves through community services. Dr. Kings vision “Everyone can be great because anybody can serve.”
2016 Honorees are:
MLK Acts of Kindness: Spirit Award – Pastor James Morris of Hamilton Memorial AME Church; Leadership – TISD Superintendent Paul Norton, State of Texas Region 8 Superintendent of the Year; Business Award – Tex/Ark Barber Shop; Community Involvement – Hickory Hill Baptist Church Mission Department; Volunteerism – Maxine Crittenden; Justice Award – Attorney Pam Fisk; Individual Award – Donna K. Yarber; Education Award – TRAHC African American Committee (TAAC); Commitment to Service Award – Pastor Kenneth Reid of Mount Grove Baptist Church;
The new 2016 awards were created in memory of the accomplishments and awards awarded to Dr. King in his lifetime: The Drum Major Award is awarded to Tiffany Shavers; “The Dreamer Award” goes to Overseer Terry Taylor; Youth Leadership Award: TISD Boys to Men Leadership Academy & Precious Gems Social Club for Girls; Youth Development Award to Club 29:11 Afterschool Program – First Baptist Church Moores Lane, and the Global Freedom Award will be awarded to Bridging the Gaps International Ministries.
We are united by a common desire to meet the needs of humanity. Pitts Riley says “The global tragedies that humanity is experiencing, lets each of us know there is still much work to be done… We must be willing to stand against injustice, stand up for peace in our communities and work together to move our nations forward. A commitment to a common goal is how we can make a difference that will last for a lifetime and beyond.”
For more information about sponsorship, event schedule or ticket purchase, please email us at mlktxk@pittsrileygroup.com or call Barbara Pitts Riley at 903.908.9754.
Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast – Lonoke Baptist Church Fellowship Hall – 1841 Lonoke Ave. Texarkana, Arkansas.71854 Tickets at the door is $8.00.
Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Acts of Kindness Gala – Northridge Country Club – 120 Bill Rogers Drive – Texarkana, Texas 75503. Tickets: $60 purchased by January 12, 2016.
Monday, January 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. – Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service – Lonoke Baptist Church – 1841 Lonoke Avenue – Texarkana, Arkansas.
Monday, January 18, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade/Walk – Downtown Texarkana, Arkansas.
Please make checks payable to the Ozan-Inghram Iron Mountain Neighborhood Development Corporation (OIIM NDC) – 4803 Jefferson Ave. #76 Texarkana, Arkansas 71865-1140.
Ozan Inghram Iron Mountain Neighborhood Development Corporation (OIIM NDC) is a 501c3 IRS recognized nonprofit organization. OIIM NDC provide educational and humanitarian needs of to the Texarkana community by supporting local organization with a mission to transform young lives in our communities, and the world.
