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Join Fort Worth in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. virtually

January 6,2021

See full City of Fort Worth article here.

Commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. virtually this year with an online film screening and moderated discussion. This year's parade has been canceled.

Explore the relationship between two legendary civil rights leaders — King and the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis — in the film John Lewis: Good Trouble. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter, chronicles the life and career of the Democratic representative from Georgia that included 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health care reform and immigration. Using rare archival footage and present-day interviews with Lewis, Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with King in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, congressional colleagues and other people who figure prominently in his life.

By registering for this event, you will receive a link to a virtual screening room where you can view the film anytime from 7 p.m. Jan. 12 through 7 p.m. Jan. 14.

Then, be sure to join in a thought-provoking moderated discussion with the city’s Chief Equity Officer and Director of the Diversity & Inclusion Department, Christina Brooks, at 7 p.m. Jan. 14. To join the discussion via Webex, a separate registration is required. The Webex platform can be accessed via computer or a smart phone app.

In addition to the city’s virtual program, there are several other free community events and activities planned to celebrate the MLK Jr. holiday, including:

  • Jan. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m.: Virtual Panel Discussion on The Importance of Creating an African American Museum in Fort Worth, featuring panelists John L. Barnett, DDS; Jason Shelton, Ph.D.; and Andy Taft, president of Downtown Fort Worth Inc., and moderated by Fort Worth Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa. Register online. 

    To learn more about the events listed below, visit the Jim Austin Online website. 

  • Jan. 15 from 7-9 p.m.: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Honoring Civil Rights Activist Pioneers featuring historian, author and educator Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney as guest speaker. This event will be held in-person at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. (advance ticket purchase required), and virtually via YouTube at no charge.

  • Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Canned Food and Blanket Drop-off and Family Fun Day at The Ranch, 3534 E. Berry St.

  • Jan. 16 from 8-10 p.m.: Celebrate with Music! featuring the David Whiteman Band. This event will be held in-person at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. (advance ticket purchase required), and virtually via YouTube at no charge.

  • Jan. 17 from 7-9 p.m.:  Celebrate with Music! featuring “An Evening of Jazz.” This event will be held in-person at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. (advance ticket purchase required), and virtually via YouTube at no charge.

  • Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: MLK Day of Service and In-N-Out Hamburger lunch at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, 2864 Mississippi Ave.

  • Jan. 18 from 3-4 p.m.: A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. featuring the “I Have a Dream Speech” video presentation via YouTube.

  • Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m.: King’s Path of Social Gospel, a virtual discussion led by Dr. Dwight Watson and presented by the Fort Worth Public Library and the Fort Worth Diversity & Inclusion Department. Register online.