The Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee is setting the stage to honor three distinguished local figures for their contributions across various sectors, shining a spotlight on those who strive toward community betterment in line with Dr. King's legacy. The "Advancing the Dream" Awards, distributed in the realms of Education, Government, and Community Service, are set to be presented at an upcoming gala this January.
Among the honorees are Chris Howell and Dominique Bryant Howell, founders of the Chris Howell Foundation, cited for their response to urgent social needs. The couple has been instrumental in battling food insecurity and health disparities, as well as bolstering access to education in North Texas. According to an announcement by the Arlington MLK Committee, under their joint stewardship, the foundation proudly served upwards of 105,000 families, dispensed over three million pounds of food, and provided a wealth of school supplies and toys to children.
In the academic sphere, Dr. Jason E. Shelton of the University of Texas at Arlington will be receiving the Education Award. Dr. Shelton's work is described as pivotal in the study of race, religion, and social attitudes, garnering national attention. He's a prolific writer, having penned multiple books and featured in several high-profile publications, and his insights have even been sought after by top-tier media, including The New York Times and NPR.
The recipient of the Government Award is Judge Kenneth D. Sanders, a Tarrant County Justice of the Peace, renowned for bringing a commitment to accessibility and fairness in the courtroom. Sanders, with a history that boasts positions at Lockheed Martin and General Motors, applies his leadership savvy to public service to the benefit of those in Precinct 7, which includes parts of Arlington.
Tickets for the annual Arlington MLK "Advancing the Dream" Awards Gala next Friday are still up for grabs, with individual seats going for $89 and reserved tables for eight priced at $2,080. The event will be held in the E.H. Hereford University Center's Bluebonnet Ballroom at 300 W. First St., Arlington, promising an evening of recognition and remembrance. For more details on the ceremony, as well as the broader Four-Day Celebration, visit the official Arlington MLK Celebration page.
