Harvesters - The Community Food Network is continuing the “MLK Day of Service” in partnership with Living the Dream, Inc.  Volunteers will be sorting and repacking food for children, families, and seniors in need of food assistance. Volunteers must be eight years of age or older. To register for the various two-hour shifts, please go online to:  www.harvesters.org/how-to-help/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities or contact the Community Engagement Team at: fighthunger@harvesters.org or at (785) 861-7750. Volunteers are encouraged to donate Black hair care products.  

The New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church located at 2801 SW Indiana Avenue, Rev. Delmar White, pastor is hosting the Student Recognition Awards program at their Fellowship Hall. The first, second, and third place winners of the 2024 MLK Art, Essay, and Poetry Competitions will be recognized at 10:00 am. The winning student artwork will be on display. Special musical selections will be provided by the BJS Ensemble.

“Whose Dream Is It?” and the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice in partnership with Living the Dream, Inc. is sponsoring its 30th Annual Community MLK Celebration and Chili and Soup Dinner at the Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave., Rev. Donna Gilchrist, host pastor. The free dinner starts at 5:30 pm followed by the program at 7:00 pm. Dr. Venus Lee, CEO of GraceMed Health Clinic is the keynote speaker.  Music will be provided by the Faith Temple Praise Team, Janelle Johnson, LaQuanda Jacobs and Michael Schumacher. Representation will also be provided by the Jewish, Mennonite, Baha’i and Islamic faith community. Childcare will be available for children two years and younger. 

Harvesters - The Community Food Network is hosting a Rev.Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service” in partnership with Living the Dream, Inc. Community volunteers will be sorting and repacking food for children, families, and seniors in need of food assistance. Volunteers must be eight years of age or older. To register for the various two-hour shifts, please go online to: www.harvesters.org/how-to-help/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities or contact the Community Engagement Team at: fighthunger@harvesters.org or at (785) 861-7750. Volunteers are encouraged to donate Black hair care products.

The Topeka Baptist Ministers Fellowship in partnership with Living the Dream, Inc. is hosting a worship service at 6:00 pm at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 SE Washington Street, Rev. T.D. Hicks, host pastor. Rev. Darren Edwards, Pastor of the United Believers Community Church of Kansas City, Missouri is the guest speaker. Musical selections will be provided by the Parker Sisters.

The Scholarship and Awards Banquet will be held at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, Regency Ballroom, 420 SE Sixth Street. The doors open at 5:30 pm and the program starts at 6:30 pm. Rev. Addison Canidy, Senior Pastor of the Mount Zion Second Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia is the keynote speaker. Graduating high school senior scholarship winners and community awards recipients will be recognized.

Harvesters - The Community Food Network is hosting a “MLK Day of Service” in partnership with Living the Dream, Inc.  Volunteers will be sorting and repacking food for children, families, and seniors in need of food assistance. Volunteers must be eight years of age or older. To register for the various two-hour shifts, please go online to:  www.harvesters.org/how-to-help/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities or contact the Community Engagement Team at: fighthunger@harvesters.org or at (785) 861-7750. Volunteers are encouraged to donate Black hair care products.  

Due to the weather conditions, the Governor’s March has been moved inside the State Capitol Building. The MLK program will start at 11:30 am inside the First Floor Rotunda. The march will be led by Governor Laura Kelly, legislators, and members of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Topeka High School Drumline. The march will culminate with Governor Kelly signing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. proclamation in the first floor rotunda at 12:00 noon.  The keynote speaker is Dr. Robert E. Weems, Jr, the Willard Distinguished Professor of Business History at Wichita State University.    

The 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Competition for students in grades fifth through twelfth will be held at 6:00 pm at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium, 1515 SW 10th Street. A reception will follow the program.