It Had to Happen Book Signing
2026-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 3502 Gillham Rd, 3502 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
What’s a man without a legacy? Find out during a special meet & greet w/ Dr. Kareem “DJ Kayotik” Thomson during his Book Tour stop at Bliss

Join us at Bliss Books & Wine for a book signing and meet & greet with Dr. Kareem “DJ Kayotik” Thomson, author of the powerful new memoir, It Had to Happen: What’s a Man Without a Legacy!

Kareem Thomson’s life has been shaped by resilience, heartbreak, and an unyielding will to rise from the ashes. A husband, father, and military veteran, Kareem has overcome unimaginable challenges. As DJ Kayotik, he has rocked crowds across five continents, working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including 50 Cent. But behind the accolades, there is a man with a story much deeper than his public persona.

Growing up in Southside Jamaica, Queens, during the crack epidemic, Kareem’s life was marked by addiction, loss, and survival. From his parents’ struggles with drugs to his own journey through homelessness, he faced the harsh realities of life head-on. But nothing could prepare him for the greatest loss of all-the death of his only son, Dante, just weeks before his high school graduation.

In It Had to Happen, Kareem takes readers through his darkest moments of grief and despair, revealing how the loss of his son shattered him-and how it also led him closer to God. Through his pain, Kareem finds healing, drawing strength from his faith and the love of his family.

This is not just a story of survival; it’s a story of transformation. It’s about a man who learned to honor his son’s legacy, embrace his role as a father, and heal a broken heart. It Had to Happen is a raw, powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, and how even in the deepest pain, there is hope for redemption.

Kareem Thomson’s journey is ongoing, and this book is a tribute to a man who continues to fight for his legacy-one step at a time.

Location: 3502 Gillham Rd
Date: January 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Central Time)
Mark your calendars and spread the word. See you there!

Gospel Experience Day Brunch
2026-01-10 11:00 - 13:00 | WSU Metroplex, 5025 E 29th, Wichita, Kansas
1st Ever The Gospel Experience Day Brunch – An Elegant Experience of Faith and Food

Ready, Set, READICT
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Advanced Learning Library, 711 West 2nd St N, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
Join us for a casual celebration to talk about the new ReadICT categories, give recommendations, reflect on our favorite books of the last decade (in honor of 10 years of ReadICT) and more!

Think it! Believe it! Become it! Vision Board Luncheon
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:30 | Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway Street, Mission, KS, 66202, United States
Join us for a powerful, faith-filled Vision Board Luncheon designed to help you see your future as though it already was.

Think It! Believe It! Become It! — Vision Board Luncheon
Join us for a powerful, Vision Board Luncheon designed to help you see your future as though it already was. This uplifting experience blends inspiration, manifestation, and the power of intentional thinking to help you align your mind, your faith, and your goals.
Enjoy meaningful conversation, guided reflection, delicious food, and a dynamic keynote speaker who will inspire you to elevate your mindset and walk boldly into your next season. Then create your personalized vision board to clarify what you desire, believe in what’s possible, and step into who you want to become.

Farewell & Thank You Celebration for Council Member Brandon Johnson
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:30 | MO
Join us as we gather to celebrate and express our heartfelt thanks to District 1 City Council Member Brandon Johnson for his eight years of dedicated service to District 1 and the greater Wichita community.

Formal remarks will begin at 1:30 p.m. This is a come-and-go event, and all are welcome to stop by and celebrate his service and commitment to our community.

2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service
2026-01-11 02:30 - 17:00 | The Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri
This event will bond, heal, enlighten and build peace and reconciliation. Kingian principles for justice and reconciliation will be lifted. Faith leaders Bishop Frank Douglas, Dr. Sofia Khan, Rabbi Talia Kaplan and Mark Johnson speak and bring religious dialogue, common ground and understanding. Iconic and lauded journalist and change agent Lewis Diuguid is special guest. Need equipping and inspiration to usher in peace, reconciliation and justice in your life, family, ministry or community? Join us! Dr. Vernon Percy Howard, Jr., President

KC Comedy Hub Presents: The POC M-I-C @ Vine Street Brewing!
2026-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Vine Street Brewing Co., 2010 Vine Street, #Building 2A, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Welcome to the ONLY comedy open mic in KC exclusively for people of color, and it’s weekly! EVERY MONDAY // 7:00PM // @ Vine Street Brewing!

KC MO Job Fair
2026-01-14 12:30 - 15:00 | Gregg/Klice Community Center, 1600 East 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Come check out the Kansas City MO Job Fair, learn about local job opportunities, ask your questions, and then apply!

Welcome to the KC MO Job Fair!
Date: WEDS, Jan. 11, 12:30 to 3 pm
Location: Gregg/Klice Community Center, 17th & Paseo.
Come join us for an afternoon filled with opportunities! Whether you’re looking for a new job, or are just exploring different career paths, this event is perfect for you. Meet employers from different industries, all under one roof. Don’t miss out on this chance to make connections and learn about your dream job! See you there!
Nervous? Watch “Secrets of Getting Hired” – short videos by a fun Recruiter.
Employers – Information & Registration at: www.stepupjobfairs.com/employers

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701
A Tribute Reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s“Letter from the Birmingham Jail” Presented by Fort Scott Community College & Pittsburg State University Students.• Tomato soup, dessert, drinks and birthday cake will be available for free. (Attendees may also bring their own lunch).• Photo Promotion taken with “I Stand For” signs by Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

The Governor's Martin Luther King Jr. Program
2026-01-15 13:00 - 17:00 | Kansas State Capitol, 300 W. 10th, Topeka, KS, 66612, United States
Welcome – Stacey Knoell (Executive Director KAAAC), Black National Anthem – Dr. Beryl New (Kansas Board of Education, Remarks- Sheri Camp (ED, The Black Collective) Introduction of the Governor – Angeline Johnson (Chair, KAAAC), Remarks Governor Laura Kelly, other guest Pastor Carl Frazier (New Hope & Love Community Church), Topeka West High School Army JROTC & Sgt Johnny Fields

Free Event
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Gem Theater, 1615 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Free

Something extraordinary is coming to Kansas City! ✨

The Ailey Trio—dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—take the stage at the GEM Theater on January 15, 2026 for a FREE community performance!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of art, passion, and movement.
Register Today.
_Ailey Trio – Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey___
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey

1984 – 2025
____

Financial Empowerment & Kids Night
2026-01-16 16:30 - 17:00 | STRINGER FINE ARTS, 1300 N PLUM, HUTCHINSON, KS, 67501
“Money Mastery 101” seminar for adults and a concurrent “Kids Movie Night” for children.

MLK Freedom Run 5K/10K/13.1 KANSAS CITY
2026-01-17 07:30 - 10:30 | Mill Creek Park (Course Map will be emailed), Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Set a Goal and Run in this Smaller Group Race through a beautiful route. Run Stress-free, Warm memories, Always here for you!

MLK CITY OF WICHITA PARADE
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | MO
A DAY TO HONOR DR. KING AND TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY. A TIME OF UNPRECEDENTED UNITY!

• KANSAS GAS SERVICE

• QUIK TRIP

• T-MOBILE

• URBAN PREP ACADEMY

• CITY OF WICHITA

• CHRISTIAN FAITH CENTRE

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOUR ORGANIZATION JOIN US!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ME AT

316-304-5479

To sign up for the parade please contact

Bishop Moore @ 316-304-5479

Bring your cars, trucks, horses, motorcycles, etc.

We will have a different route this year! Please contact me for more information.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. Free for students K-12 grade. All others pay $5.00

8:00 am – 9:30 am

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration & Awards Luncheon
2026-01-17 11:00 - 14:00 | 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

A Sewful Celebration with Stephen Towns
2026-01-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
WAM invites you to a Family ArtVenture with a very special guest: Stephen Towns, the artist of “Safer Waters: Picturing Black Recreation at Midcentury”. Inspired by the subject of Towns’ paintings and quilts—a Florida lake resort for Black vacationers in the age of segregation—join us for creativity, community, and learning. While the weather’s chilly and gray, channel sunny summertime days at WAM as you:

◆ Join guest artist Towns for a storytime in the galleries, and ask him about his art

◆ Explore the sights, sounds, and scents of Paradise Park at a sensory and imagination station

◆ Learn to sew by hand, like Towns

◆ Create wearable art

◆ Travel back in time to Paradise Park in the 1950s with swing music and dance

MLK Vendor Fair
2026-01-17 11:00 - 17:00 | STRINGER FINE ARTS, 1300 N PLUM, HUTCHINSON, KS, 67501
Featuring local community organizations, social clubs, and small businesses.

Community Celebration & Gospel Concert

Manhattan MLK Jr. Community Celebration
2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | MO
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.

Leavenworth Main Street 30th Anniversary Celebration
2026-01-17 18:00 - 21:00 | 500 Delaware St, 500 Delaware Street, Leavenworth, KS, 66048, United States
Celebrate 30 years of Main Street with light hors d’oeuvres, drinks, community, and live music from Five Four Fried Chicken and a Coke!

Expanded Event Overview
🎉 The hottest ticket in town—food, friends, and the fowlest band in KC!
Join us as the Leavenworth Main Street Program celebrates an incredible milestone: 30 years of strengthening and revitalizing downtown Leavenworth. Together, we’ll honor three decades of community growth, investment, and unforgettable memories while unveiling an inspiring vision for the future.
Guests can expect:
• A warm welcome and engaging program highlighting the history and successes of the Leavenworth Main Street Program.
• Delicious local cuisine and light hors d’oeuvres showcasing the flavors of our community.
• One complimentary drink ticket (beer, wine, soda, or water) to toast the occasion.
• Networking opportunities with fellow investors, community leaders, and friends.
• A lively evening of music and dancing, capped off with a special private performance by Five Four Fried Chicken and a Coke Band—affectionately known as the most (fowl) band in Kansas City.
• Silent auction and 50/50 cash raffle, offering exciting ways to participate and support Main Street.
• A celebration of community spirit, where past achievements meet future vision in an atmosphere of fun, connection, and pride.
✨ Dress Code: Old Hollywood glamour inspired by the 1930s—the Golden Age of Hollywood. Cocktail attire with vintage flair is encouraged, but don’t let that stop you from dressing to the nines!
This anniversary event is open to all Leavenworth Main Street Program investor members, friends, prospects, and the community at large. Whether you’ve been part of the journey from the beginning or are just joining us now, you’ll be part of a night to remember.

MLK Celebration
2026-01-18 14:00 - 17:00 | STRINGER FINE ARTS, 1300 N PLUM, HUTCHINSON, KS, 67501
A large-scale gathering featuring inspirational speakers and soulful musical performances from local church choirs and the college.

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.

Citywide Interfaith Community Service
2026-01-18 15:30 - 17:00 | St John’s Lutheran Church, 302 S 7th., Salina, Kansas
Features keynote speaker Rev. Carl Frazier, pastor at New Hope and Love Community Church and a board member for the Center of Peace and Justice in Topeka

Models and Mocktails - Sequins and Sass
2026-01-18 17:00 - 19:30 | Walker’s Jazz Lounge, 252 North Mosley Street, Wichita, KS, 67202, United States
Sip, sketch, and sparkle. ✨
Join us for Models & Mocktails, a fashion illustration session celebrating January’s theme: sequins and sass

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 | MO
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
