Arlington’s annual tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is virtual in 2021! Join us for a free online experience where you can choose what you want to see, when you want to see it. From music and dance to spoken word and community dialogues, there will be something for everyone. Help us carry on Dr. King’s legacy by remembering our history and joining us in a call to shape our future.
Starting Sun., Jan. 17, visit this page for a dynamic experience that allows the user to select the content they wish to view. The content will remain online for the coming months. Specific program elements will include:
Content sections with videos from past MLK Tributes and never-before-seen works:
- A video compilation highlighting clips of music, dance, spoken word and dialogue from recent MLK Tributes, including:
- Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir’s renditions of The Best Is Yet to Come and Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around
- Original work by spoken word artist Kim B. Miller, Your Calling Motherless Child and I’ll Rise Up, performed by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Dance Ensemble
- Scene from the 51st MLK Tribute, performed by actor Deshawn Harris (as MLK) and Yancy Langston (voice of Benjamin Mays)
- Arlington native Joy Gardner solo rendition of A Change is Gonna Come
- Remarks from Arlington resident Joan Mulholland, activist and educator
- Lift Every Voice and Sing, produced by Balm in Gilead, Inc.
- Specific Music Options
- I’ve Been Buked and Scorned, soloist James Gibson
- I Know I’ve Been Changed, soloist Karen D. Archer
- You’re All I Need To Get By, duet with Duke Ellington School of the Arts students Kianna Kelly-Futch and Kyree Allen
- Is My Living in Vain performed by local quartet The Four
- Changed, performed by Kimberly D. Gordon with with Kabanya Vinson and V-TRINITY (Christina, Victoria, and Paris Vinson)
- Arlington native Joy Gardner solo rendition of A Change is Gonna Come
- Specific Dance Options
- Chains, performed by Worship Without Words
- Precious Lord Take My Hand and Glory, performed by the Inspire Arts Collective
- If I Could, performed by Kailah Doles
- Motherless Child and I’ll Rise Up, performed by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Dance Ensemble
- Specific Spoken Word Options
- New original work, Speak, from spoken word artist Kim B. Miller
- Reflections from Encore Stage & Studio students
- Original work by spoken word artist Kim B. Miller, Break the Chains
- Original work, Stand, by Outspoken Poetess Audrey Perkins
Other options include historical footage and a presentation by Samia Byrd, Chief Race and Equity Officer for Arlington County.