King commission sets up two events

Home tour, day of service planned

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commission will hold its annual day of service event in honor of the civil-rights leader on Jan. 15.

The event — “Mega Kingfest: A Day of Service — A Day On, Not Day Off” — will take place in the North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center at 101 W. 22nd St. from 1-5 p.m. on Jan. 15.

Admission is free and open to the public. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

The day of service event is described by the state commission as an educational, family friendly community event that provides on-site community service projects and activities. There will be games for children. The group Ayo and Teo will perform a youth concert.

Health and human services agencies, community outreach programs and nonprofit organizations can participate by registering with the commission.

On Jan. 14, an event will be held from 1-4:30 p.m. at 1925 Wolfe St. in Little Rock. The event will include a free soul food dinner and a self-guided tour of community leader Annie Abrams’ home museum and library, which features historical documents, books, memorabilia, programs and obituaries. The guest who takes the oldest obituary will win a prize.

Additional information on each event is available by emailing the commission’s executive director, DuShun Scarbrough, at dushun.scarbrough@arkansas.gov or by calling the commission offices at (501) 683-1300 or (888) 290-5464.

The commission, created in 1993, works to promote racial harmony, understanding, respect, community service, and goodwill; build an awareness of the civil-rights movement; advocate King’s principles; and develop, coordinate and advise the state on ceremonies and activities to observe the annual King holiday.

The commission sponsors year-round programs that have included encouraging youths to become leaders in their communities and guiding youths through social, academic and career mentoring.