It’s the beginning of a new year, but Plano has not forgotten some of the most important lessons learned in 2020. It was a difficult year, but a bright spot was the revitalization in the movement towards equality for Black Americans. Several events hosted in Collin County this month will celebrate the life and legacy of the influential civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as the diversity that strengthens our community.
Jan. 16: Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Power Leadership Breakfast
Collin College’s MLK breakfast will be virtual this year. The prerecorded program will go live at 9 a.m. Jan. 16. The theme this year is justice, inspired by Dr. King’s quote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Speaking at the breakfast will be 199th Texas District Court Judge Angela Tucker, Plano Police Chief Ed Drain and Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin. The event can be viewed on Facebook.
Jan. 18: 4th Annual Collin County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Appreciation Day Service
This one-hour service featuring musical performances and speakers will be streamed on Facebook at noon Jan. 18. This year’s theme is The Birmingham Campaign, and Dr. Cheryl Jackson, founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry, will emcee. Winners of the first annual Carson M. Doss Legacy Scholarship Art Contest will be announced. Mr. Doss founded the MLK Appreciation Day Service and passed away in 2020. The 2021 Collin County MLK Drum Major Award recipients will also be recognized.
Prior to the event, there will be other programs to participate in. This includes a Zoom conversation Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. with Cynthia Levinson, author of “We’ve Got a Job.” Colored Commentary, a podcast hosted by Markus Lloyd and Antwuan Malone, discusses race, Christianity and culture. Leading up to the event, several episodes will focus on the work of Dr. King. More information can be found on the Collin County MLK Facebook page.
Jan. 18-22: Plano ISD Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Celebration
Plano ISD will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a weeklong virtual celebration Jan. 18-22. The event will include work from winners of the student writing contest, the presentation for Plano ISD’s 2020 Teachers of the Year, Diversity Leadership Award nominees and winners, top artwork selected from the student art contest, a performance from speech students, musical and dance performances and more. Watch the weeklong event at Plano ISD’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
