The Community Voice

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration & Awards Luncheon
2026-01-17 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | BEGGS BALLROOM, 1845 N Fairmont, Wichita, Kansas, 67260
Join the Eta Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as we celebrate the life, legacy, and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our annual Commemoration & Awards Luncheon. Keynote Speaker: Larry Randle Jr.Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, Textron Systems

Manhattan MLK Jr. Community Celebration
2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Kansas
30th year of the Community Celebration with Art & Writing entries and distinguished speaker, She Mayberry III. Music, refreshments and birthday cake.

Living the Dream, Inc. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Birthday Celebration
2026-01-17 17:30 | Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, Regency Ballroom,, 420 SE 6th., Topeka, Kansas
Guest Speaker: Kevin Willmott won an Academy Award and the BAFTA the British Academy award for co-writing with Spike Lee the feature film, Blackkklansman. The film also won the Grand Prix at the Cannes film Festival. He co-wrote and is the Executive Producer of the critically acclaimed film, Chi-Raq also directed by Spike Lee.

MLK Gospel Music Tribute
2026-01-18 15:00 - 17:00 | C L Hoover Opera House, 135 W 7th, Junction City, Kansas
The event honors Dr. King’s legacy through music, spiritual reflection, and community fellowship. It is a collaborative effort involving various local church choirs and musical groups.

A.R.I.S.E. 10th annual Dr Martin Luther King Jr Heroes and Sheroes Scholarship and Awards Breakfast.
2026-01-19 07:30 - 17:00 | WSU Rhatigan Student Center, 1845 N Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
Tickets may be purchased from an A.R.I.S.E. member or by calling 316-258-2749 $40

2026 MLK Day of Service: Wichita Habitat for Humanity
2026-01-19 08:00 - 11:30 | Century II, 225 W Douglas, Wichita, Kansas
Join over 150 volunteers for an incredible morning dedicated to framing the walls of safe, affordable homes right here in our community. This is a fantastic opportunity to gather your team for a fun and rewarding experience that directly helps families build a brighter future.

In the span of one morning, we will construct and stand all of the interior and exterior walls of two, three-bedroom homes. Construction will take place inside the Bob Brown Expo Hall at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.

UMKC Dr Martin Luther King Jr 28th Annual Holiday Observance
2026-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Kansas
From vision to action: entrepreneurship purpose and commitment. We will explore how Dr. King’s legacy of justice, economic empowerment and service continues to inspire purpose-driven leadership today. Continental breakfast provided. Featured speaker Chris Goode, founder and CEO Ruby Jeans Juicery

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration Event
2026-01-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – (Food Drive) “Day of Service” – Join us as we will collect canned and non-perishable food items todonate to the Beacon in Fort Scott, KS. Anyone in the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Showing of the PBS home video documentary “In Remembrance of Martin”. In the FSCCEllis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – (Lunch & Learn) – “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In“ Presented by Dr. Prisca Barnes is the founder of Storytime Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Wichita that promotes reading among low-income children andfamilies. Seeking racial equity and an end to segregation, Wichita’s Black students organized and staged a sit-in in 1958 at Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore. Long denied entry into the city’s movie theaters and restaurants, students exercised their right to peacefully protest over a three-week period at the popular lunch counter. What transpired, how it ended, and the lasting impact it had on race relations in the city is the focus of this talk. More broadly, the talk will explore how thesetypes of protests transformed the struggle for racial equity in America.• Gumbo soup lunch, drinks, and dessert will be available for free (attendees may also bring their own lunch).• Photo promotion taken with “I Stand For” signs” provided by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaker Program & Nature Walk
2026-01-19 09:30 - 12:00 | Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, 64130, United States
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Check-in, registration, and warm refreshments at the Cultural Center.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Keynote address and opening plenary.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. A guided nature walk along Brush Creek, focusing on the connection between humans and nature. The walk is led by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ranger.

Unity Project (MLK Day of Service)
2026-01-19 10:00 - 17:00 | STRINGER FINE ARTS, 1300 N PLUM, HUTCHINSON, KS, 67501
A community service project focused on local needs; past projects have included community clean-ups and creating encouragement cards for local seniors. Meet up at Stringer Fine Arts Center

KCK MLK Holiday Celebration
2026-01-19 10:30 - 17:00 | Memorial Hall, 600 North 7th Street Trafficway, Kansas City, KS, 66101, United States
A pre-service program begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the main celebration at 11:00 a.m. This event is a long-standing partnership between the Baptist Ministerial Alliance, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK, and the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office.

Youth Praise Dancers, KCK Community Orchestra and other invited guests. MLK Mass Choir, Rosie’s Dance Studio, Krysti’s Dance Studio, MLK scholarship awards. Guest speaker Dr Claybon Lea Jr., Senior Pastor Mount Calvary Baptist Church Fairfield & Suisun City CA

MLK Jr. Day Youth Program
2026-01-19 12:00 - 17:00 | St John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S Chicago, Salina, Kansas
Designed to inspire local youth, this program typically includes musical performances from local schools’ music departments.

C.L. Hoover Opera House MLK Ceremony
2026-01-19 14:00 - 16:00 | C L Hoover Opera House, 135 W 7th, Junction City, Kansas
Theme: “Being Non-Violent in a Violent World”.

Kansas Wesleyan University MLK Commemoration Service
2026-01-19 16:30 - 17:00 | Kansas Wesleyan, 100 E Claflin, Salina, Kansas
Keynote Speaker: University trustee Kirk Holt. Performances: Musical selections by the groups Rise Up! and the Wesleyan Chorale.

SCLC-GKC Martin Luther King Jr. Mass Celebration
2026-01-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri
Interfaith Dialogue / Musical Performances / Awards and Recognition / A Call to Action: Led by SCLC-GKC President Dr. Vernon Percy Howard Jr.

20th Annual MLK Community Celebration
2026-01-20 09:30 - 17:00 | MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2020 E. Sheridan St, Olathe, Kansas, 66062
Theme: “Called to Beloved Community: Our Sacred Work”. Honoree: Rev. Darryl Answer will be presented with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award for representing the values of Dr. King’s legacy.

MLK Day of Service
2026-01-24 08:00 - 13:00 | Leadership Studies Building, 1300 Mid Campus Dr, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502
MLK Day of Service

1300 Mid Campus Dr.

Campus and community members are invited to serve on the annual MLK Day of Service, hosted by HandsOn Kansas State! All ages are welcome.

Volunteers will begin the day with breakfast and a program at the Leadership Studies Building (1300 Mid-Campus Drive North) at 8 a.m., and then head to service locations – transportation will be provided if needed. Individuals or groups register at this link: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cN5JeUB6JZHF0

Safe Streets Wichita Coalition Meeting
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30 | SAFE STREETS, 1200 E WATERMAN, WICHITA, KS, 67211
This meeting will include a Naloxone Training led by Morgan Jennings, Kansas Community Health Worker. The training focuses on overdose recognition, safe response, fentanyl myth busting, and harm reduction rooted in care, connection, and judgment free support.

Third Annual Mardi Gras Ball
2026-02-07 19:00 - 23:30 | Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
A Night of Feathers, Fortune, and Fortitude!

The Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. cordially invites you to an unforgettable evening of New Orleans magic and philanthropic purpose at the stunning Wichita Art Museum.

Immerse yourself in a luxurious celebration where glamour meets generosity, reflecting the core elements of our night:

Experience the Grandeur

FEATHERS (Pageantry): Don your finest Formal Attire for a night of dazzling elegance.

FORTUNE (Merriment): Enjoy high-energy music spun by DJ Cadence and spectacular entertainment designed to make the good times roll!

FORTITUDE (Purpose): Indulge in authentic Cajun Cuisine knowing that every ticket supports crucial scholarships, youth initiatives, and community service projects in Wichita.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Cash bar available.

Tickets are limited! Secure your passage to this magical night benefiting our community.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!!

The Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is affliated with Delta Research and Education Foundation.

Annual History Luncheon: Mission Impossible
2026-02-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Marriott Downtown Kansas City, 200 W 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64105
, a celebration honoring the rich legacy, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Americans. This inspiring event features keynote speakers, special guests, and reflections that pay tribute to the past while looking toward a future of unity, justice, and progress. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather, uplift, and commemorate Black excellence in our community.

ARISE Ensemble Presents 4th Annual Youth Extravaganza
2026-02-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Holy Savior Catholic Academy, 3000 E 13th, Wichita, KS 67214
This Black History Month, the ARISE Ensemble is proud to present our 4th Annual Youth Extravaganza project with the Holy Savior Youth Choir.

Together, we celebrate history, heritage, and the next generation through the spirit of unity and the power of music. COST: ADULT $15

CHILD $5

FAMILY $35

Women. Power. Purpose. Brunch.
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Wichita Marriott, 9100 E Corporate Hills Dr, 9100 E Corporate Hills Dr, Wichita, KS, 67207, United States
Featuring Rev. Yolanda White-Oliver

One morning. One room. A whole lot of impact.

Every ticket helps build safe, affordable housing for families in our community.

Big energy. Bigger mission.

wichitahabitat.org/womenbuild

Because women don’t just talk about change—we build it.

A Celebration of Black Excellence and Education
2026-02-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Kansas
Celebrate the legacy, achievements, and future of black excellence through education, history, and community connections

HBCU and Greek fair/ black-owned business vending fair /Greek step show and stroll show food tasting experience

The Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group Annual Black History Month Program
2026-02-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Black Archives Of Mid-America, 1722 East 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Guest speaker will be Dr. Curtis V. Smith, an accomplished author and historian, and a retired Professor and Dean at the Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC). Dr. Smith’s presentation,“Kansas City, Kansas: Cultural Rhythms in Ragtime and Jazz,” brings the discussion to our local area and will deliver a groundbreaking contribution to ethnomusicology by uncovering four key cultural distinctions between Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri—differences that positioned Wyandotte County as the most progressive African American community in the United States by the early 1900s.

2026 Black Educators Hall of Fame Celebration
2026-02-28 16:00 - 19:00 | Carl Brewer Community Center, 1329 E 13th, WICHITA, Kansas, 67214
We’re getting closer to the 2026 Black Educators Hall of Fame Celebration presented by Art That Touches Your Heart! Join us as we honor legendary educators who have shaped lives and built futures in our community.

THIS YEAR’S HONOREES ARE:

LORENZO O. BRECKENRIDGE, SR

DR JESSE WILLIAMS

DR KEVIN HARRISON

JAMES E ANDERSON, SR

JOHN R CARTER

PEARLIE MCCOY

LATONNYA KENNEDY

GAYLE JACKSON

Trash Panda Color n Cleanup
2026-03-07 10:00 | Kansas
Young community activist Zania Mason is on a mission to enhance her neighborhood, and she needs your support!

Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit and Get Ya Color On are partnering up for this very special Trash Panda Pop-Up!

We will provide trash grabbers and supplies. Participants will earn treats and entrance to our vibrant color party inside of Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center. Be on the lookout for a special appearance by a Kansas Wildlife Exhibit animal ambassador.

Everyone is always welcome. Please join us in helping Zania help out her neighborhood!

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Shine Awards
2026-03-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Kansas
Celebrating Kansas Women who ShineThe Shine Awards is a celebration of inspirational Kansas women and will help raise funds to support Storytime Village’s mission of inspiring a lifelong love of literacy for underserved children.

​2026 HONOREES

LAI-L DAUGHERTY, Executive Director, Wichita Medical Research & Education Foundation

CARA DECKER, Center Director, Kumon Math & Reading

JILL DOCKING, Senior Vice President, Docking Group

MONIQUEKA HOLLOWAY, Chief Program Officer, Heartspring

JUDGE JENNIFER JONES. City of Wichita Municipal Court Judge

DANIELLE JOHNSON, Executive Director, Wichita Habitat for Humanity

JUDGE JACQUELINE KELLY, Judicial District Court Judge, Sedgwick County

DR. RHONDA K. LEWIS, Professor, Wichita State University

THE MCCARTNEY SISTERS

ANNIE MONTGOMERY, Director, Family Life Counseling Center, Tabernacle Bible Church

SHELLY PRICHARD, President & CEO, Wichita Foundation

VALERIE BLACK-TURNER, Director of Community Partnerships, Kansas Health Foundation

VALERIE WHITE, Director of Development, Barton School of Business Wichita State University

MARQUETTA ATKINS-WOODS, Founder & Executive Director, Destination Innovation Inc.

To register or for sponsor opportunities, visit: https://www.storytimevillage.org/shine2026

The Sister Circle Brunch
2026-03-14 10:30 - 13:00 | Aloft Wichita, 3642 N Oliver, Wichita, KS, 67220, United States
Celebrate Women’s History with Sisterhood, Shopping, Music, Food and Fun! A brunch you don’t want to miss!

Tickets are on sale now! Save and Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to purchase today as spots are LIMITED!

With: Felicia Rolfe, Lashonda Porter and Aleis Smith

Mom, Dad, and Expo - A KBEN Event
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Kansas City Kansas Community College-Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS, 66102, United States
The Kansas Birth Equity Network presents Mom, Dad, and Baby Expo a free community event centered on community, conversation, and connection to resources!

Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: KCKCC Technical Education Center

What to Expect:
Discussions on doulas, midwives, health insurance, childcare, mental health & more
Local vendors & organizations supporting the whole family
Raffle prizes, free lunch, and on-site childcare

You can find registration, childcare sign up, vendor sign up, and more at this link! linktr.ee/momdadbabyexpo26

BRIDGING THE NEIGHBORHOOD
2026-04-18 10:00 - 15:00 | BRIDGE CHURCH
My mission has always been to give back to the community I was raised in. Also the participating vendors will be selling their products at a affordable price. My heart tells me to do my best to feed any homeless person that may come through during this event. IF I SEE SOMETHING I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!!!! In this neighborhood where I grew up, there are numerous homeless individuals. My goal is to feed the homeless on this day.
