The keynote address for the 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet was Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, noteworthy for his numerous efforts on behalf of all minorities and the poor. Barber made the trip from North Carolina and threw in an excursion to Houston before attending the event. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
Rev. Dr. William Barber was the keynote speaker at the 36th annual MLK Awards Banquet held Saturday, Sat. Jan. 13 at the Dallas Hyatt Regency. This black-tie awards banquet celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and honored those helping carry out the mission of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Dallas.
“I’m not even sure we should be celebrating him,” Barber said of MLK. “He was a prophet. And when it comes to prophets, you either follow them or you leave them alone.”
Dr. Barber pointed out that a lot of people talk about MLK yet they make no effort to follow his path. He reminded the audience of occasions where public officials were invited as honorary participants in MLK events when their policies did not match the cause.
Throughout 2017 Dr. Barber, president of the Repairers of the Breach, toured the United States in an effort to breathe new life into the Poor People’s Campaign, an effort launched by Dr. King in 1968 before his untimely death. The goal was to gain economic justice for poor people, of all races, through the efforts of Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Key concerns of the campaign remain 50 years later: full employment and affordable housing.
In conjunction with the dinner, a silent auction was held to raise funds for the MLK Community Center. Above, Tracy Holmes places a bid for one of the many items offered to attendees. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
James Madison High School JROTC instructor Maj. Johnny Irvin (at right), and Pfc. Christopher Foster (center) greet guests with a smile and a few laughs as the students served as ushers. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
Original artwork by Arthello Beck was displayed and auctioned off as part of fundraising efforts for the MLK Community Center. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
Photographer Lasha Dominique was on hand to provide keepsake photos for guests at the dinner. Above, Carlos Evans and Daaiyah Wooten take a moment to smile for the camera. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
The Life School Oak Cliff Honor Choir performed “Lift Every Voice” and “Rise Up” for attendees at the MLK Awards Banquet. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
Members of the James Madison High School JROTC prepare to post colors for the beginning of the 36th annual MLK Awards Banquet. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
Doris Edmon was the recipient of the Dream Forward Award, given to a City of Dallas employee who goes above and beyond to deliver excellent service both internally and externally. (Image: David WIlfong/NDG)
The Humanitarian Award went to Kym Scott, who was not able to attend the dinner. Accepting on her behalf was Howard Scott, well-known for the band War, which had numerous hits in the 1970s. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
It was a full house in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom for the 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet. (Image: David Wilfong/NDG)
