The mission of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, a division of the Arkansas Department of Education, is to promote and preserve the life and legacy of Dr. King in our state; and to promote the principles of nonviolence and equality among all citizens. Our community outreach projects are designed to promote education, and an appreciation for history, and to encourage youth to engage in positive leadership development and roles within their communities.
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and The City of Monticello, invites the public to attend the 2022 Monticello “Unity in the Community Festival,” beginning at noon, Friday, July 1, 2022, at McCloy Park, 178 Henley Drive, Monticello. The goal of the festival is to mobilize, inform, and uplift everyday multigenerational citizens in a safe space to achieve new levels of economic empowerment, personal development, wealth creation, civic engagement, and community leadership. The Unity in the Community Festival will also promote unity, education, community service, arts, family, culture, and the “Beloved Community” Dr. King mentioned in his writings.
The event will be free and open to the public and will include free food at designated food vendors, a community vendor showcase, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, and a homebuyers’ workshop.
Highlights will include a special appearance and address from legendary R&B singer Eddie Levert, concerts by Steven Russell, former lead singer of TROOP, and Doug E Fresh, pioneering hip-hop artist. The Commission will also host “Human Beat Box” and “Teach Me How to Dougie” contests for the youth and the community.
“Dr. King once said, “the aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, says DuShun Scarbrough, Executive Director. In keeping with this vision, the Monticello Unity in the Community Festival will allow residents to come together to create unity, promote community service, and honor the legacy of Dr. King by providing workshops on financial literacy and home ownership. The “Unity in the Community Festival” honors the collaboration, passion, and compassionate spirit that has served to raise up small communities. It is also important to host these events in the underserved, smaller towns across the state, particularly the Delta. It has been great working with the city and the mayor on this project, I look forward to a continued partnership as we host this wonderful celebration before the Independence Day holiday.”
The Unity in the Community Festival is an outdoor event. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Program Partners include, The City of Monticello, Victory Over Violence, Union Bank, Power 92 Jams, The Praise Network, and KOKY.
