How Community Advocacy Secured MLK Day in Arlington Schools

I have many memorable experiences in Arlington, My most memorable experience in Arlington was as Grace United Methodist Church Associate Pastor, while leading and collaborating with other religious coalition leaders, parents, students and community members. We came together to request that the MLK National Holiday be celebrated in Arlington Schools. This happened after the 1987 school calendar did not include the recognition of MLK's birthday as a national holiday. This holiday had been signed into law by President Reagan in 1983. Following continuous community outpouring at school board meetings the Arlington School Board laid the groundwork for Arlington's MLK Celebration beginning in 1988. This celebration has grown to one of the largest in the country.