Richardson mayor addresses lack of MLK events

By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor

Throughout the month of January Dallas Fort Worth community calendars are filled with celebrations honoring of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK). Beginning the week of his birthday, Jan. 15 and including the federal holiday, the third Monday of the month, several cities host events, in partnership with community organizations, honoring Dr. King. Richardson, Texas does not.

The City of Dallas’ celebration spanned across more than one week. Garland supports the annual MLK Parade now in it’s 30th year hosted by the Garland NAACP. Over the years the weekend has grown to include not only the parade, but a commemorative program and a youth concert. The programs for 2019 in DFW include listings for Grand Prairie, Irving, and Fort Worth. Pending confirmation from the City of Plano on their events.

The absence of Richardson is noticeable given the estimated population as of July, 2017 is reported as 116,783 by the U.S. Census. This includes more than 10 percent African American (single race identification). In a community with an average household income of more than $226,000, 53 percent with a college degree and 88 percent of the households have internet access. This is not an uninformed community.

Dr. King’s legacy is celebrated not only for what he did for the African Americans as the leader of the Civil Rights movement. He is celebrated because his efforts helped paved the way for access to the ballot box, better jobs, education and justice, for all citizens in a quest to help the country move toward a more perfect union.

Is the lack of events in Richardson celebrating the achievements of Dr. King on MLK Day, not simply lumped in with Black History Month, a reflection of the city’s disinterest, or the residents? While the Richardson City Council is not the most diverse one in the Metroplex, is the bigger issue the fact the citizens are not questioning the lack of celebration?

Richardson’s response

After speaking to a member of the city’s communication staff on Wednesday and confirming there are no official MLK related events held by the city, NDG emailed each member of the city council was emailed. Below is the response received the following day from Mayor Paul Voelker.

“Thank you for your inquiry regarding how the City of Richardson recognizes and celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. MLK Day is recognized by the municipal government as an official holiday, and all City facilities, and most of our services, are suspended to allow municipal workers and their families to celebrate as they wish. The Richardson Library will also be celebrating Black History Month in February, when special programs will be held to include displays and storytellers featuring the accomplishments and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as other African Americans who have contributed to our society.

In addition, the Richardson community is active in many events and programs offered by not-for-profits, churches, educational institutions and organizations in recognition of MLK Day. Many of these have long histories in our region and offer unique experiences, the likes of which cannot be found in many parts of our country.

Richardson has a strong focus on inclusion, diversity and multi-culturalism. We host and maintain a cultural arts website for local groups to promote their offerings in the community. We also work closely with the local Interfaith Alliance and Network of Community Ministries to create opportunities for partnerships. Finally, we work closely with our business partners that represent workers and countries from around the world. We are very aware of all the communities in our city and work to collaborate everywhere we can to promote inclusion and participation in our local government.

Inclusion and an embrace of diversity should be priorities for everyone in our community. I promote these ideals and personally take part in many events across the city throughout the year to strengthen this cause and show our support, as well as my desire for solidarity. I also appreciate you taking the time to reach out to me to express your concerns on this important issue.”