ɫӰ

Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content
Featured | NewsJanuary 10, 2025

MLK Events to Span Jan. 18-24

Written By: Rachel Putman

The River Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, in partnership with the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, will host a series of events from January 18 to January 24 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme, “Be the Change You Want to See!”, underscores the importance of personal responsibility in continuing Dr. King’s mission of equality and justice.

The week-long slate of events will feature a scholarship banquet, an ecumenical service, a community breakfast, the highly anticipated return of the downtown parade, and a series of educational lectures on the ɫӰ campus. 

Dr. Carolyn Mosley, president of the River Valley Dr. MLK Jr. Commission, highlighted the significance of the week’s theme, saying, “Each year, a day is identified for us to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who fought for the rights and dignity of everyone,” Mosley said. “However, this day of celebration should also serve as an important reaffirmation of our responsibility and commitment to making the future better for everyone! Thus, our theme—Be the Change You Want to See!”

The events begin Saturday, January 18, with the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet at 6 p.m. in the Reynolds Room at ɫӰ, 5210 Grand Ave. Tickets are $50 and can be reserved by emailing fortsmithmlk@gmail.com or calling 504-427-4013. Dr. Chris Jones will deliver the keynote speech.

Dr. Jones, an Arkansas native, made history as the first African American major party nominee for Governor of Arkansas in 2022. Born in Pine Bluff to two preachers, Dr. Jones cultivated a passion for service and leadership early in life. He attended Morehouse College, earning dual degrees in physics and math before advancing to MIT, where he completed two master’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Technology and Policy, as well as a Ph.D. in Urban Planning.

His career has spanned various roles, from teaching high school math to leading community organizations like the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston. Dr. Jones also directed the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in his home state. An ordained minister, he integrates faith with community action, exemplified by his recent book, Quantum Pearls, a 30-day devotional. Dr. Jones lives in Little Rock with his wife, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, an Emergency Medicine physician and assistant professor at UAMS. 

The weekend events continue Sunday, January 19, at 6 p.m. with the Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High St. Rev. William L. Robinson of First Baptist Church in North Little Rock will deliver the evening’s message. 

Rev. Robinson is a lifelong Arkansan, distinguished pastor, and community leader with over 40 years of service. A graduate of Central High School in Little Rock, he holds degrees from Arkansas Baptist College and Jackson Theological Seminary. Called to the ministry at age 12, Rev. Robinson was ordained at 19 and became the youngest minister elected pastor of First Baptist Church of North Little Rock at age 21.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Robinson has been a lead