From January 10th through the 19th, our community came together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the 2026 MLK 10 Days of Service.

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Over these ten days, we honored Dr. King not just with words, but with work. From service projects and health initiatives to education, worship, art, and civic engagement, each day reminded us that the Dream lives when we live it out.​ Here's how we served together:

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MLK Monument Rededication & Parkway Cleanup. We kicked off our journey with the rededication of our MLK Monument (originally dedicated 25 years ago) before rolling up our sleeves to clean the MLK Parkway, showing that service and pride start right where we live.

 

AZ Prep Open House. A powerful reminder of Dr. King’s belief in the transformative power of education, as families engaged with educators and explored academic and extracurricular programs designed to equip our youth to thrive.

 

Walking Wednesday with the Mayor. A community walk with Mayor Clea McCaa and Police Chief Chris Hiser promoting connection, visibility, and civic pride—proving that progress happens when we move together.

 

MLK Poetry Night. An evening of truth, rhythm, and creative expression where local voices honored Dr. King’s legacy through art and storytelling.

 

MLK Conversation on Civil Rights, Political Action, and Relationships. A thought-provoking dialogue reflecting on Dr. King’s life, the Civil Rights Movement, and our continued journey toward justice—hosted with the Southwest Association of the Buffalo Soldiers (SWAB) and community historians.

 

MLK Community Health & Wellness Fair and Blood Drive. In collaboration with the American Red Cross - a full-day wellness experience featuring screenings, mental health resources, fitness activities, and a kids zone — featured speakers, Dr. Phil Lessueur, Family Health Services, Dr. Nick Rainey, Rainey Pain and Performance, Tamika Sullivan, Chiricahua Behavioral Health, Asa Rhinehart, Mesa Verde Counseling, Bolanile Patterson Holistic Care - Seven Elements of Health & Wellness and over 20 Health Partners. Our community partnered together to deliver 18 blood donations providing a critical, lifesaving, treatment for patients with sickle cell disease and over 50 Health Screenings and Free Flu Shots.

 

Inaugural MLK Interfaith Worship Service. Our community hosted an Inaugural Interfaith Worship Service at the United Methodist Church, that brought churches and families together to recharge spiritually and recommit to building the Beloved Community. Insights are inspirations were delivered by Catholic, Jewish, Korean, Muslim, LDS, Lay Representation, and Protestant faith leaders. We were also blessed by Guest Preacher: Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., Senior Pastor Emeritus, First Institutional Baptist Church who delivered a message of reflection, accomplishments, and call to action. Our community contributed $600 in service offerings in support on Community Service Projects.

 

Marching Forward in Unity & MLK Program. Our Unity March symbolized our collective commitment to justice, equality, and community action — echoing the footsteps of generations who marched before us. Our MLK program featured speakers, music, poets reflection, and celebration - our  Guest Speaker Colonel Richard “Dick” Toliver, USAF (Ret.), Tuskegee Airmen Protégé, Air Force Veteran in Blue - Pioneering Combat Pilot, and Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (Click here to read more about Col Toliver). Col Toliver’s leadership and voice reminded our community that service, sacrifice, and perseverance are essential to advancing Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. Col Toliver was presented with the Key of the City by our Mayor McCaa.

 

Our Challenges Continue - Our Call to Action is Clear

 

Take what you heard over these 10 days.

Take what you felt at the Interfaith Worship Service.

Take what you experienced—and carry it forward

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• Become a member of the NAACP or another service organization. Join one of these or another committee:

  • Criminal Justice – advancing fair, accountable justice

  • Political Action – promoting voter engagement and civil rights advocacy

  • Education – fighting for equitable public education

  • ACTSO – supporting youth excellence in academics, culture, science, and technology

  • Health – advancing health equity and community wellness

 

Let’s all do our part. Register. Vote. Serve. Advocate. Mentor. Build bridges. Protect dignity. Extend grace. Demand justice. Show up—again and again.

 

Let’s continue building the Beloved Community—together.

 

One Dream. One Community.