The City of Benton will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of community-wide events on January 17th and 19th. The theme in 2026 is “Building Bridges, Not Barriers.” See the list of events below.
This year’s celebration encourages unity and solidarity through a range of inclusive activities designed to bring residents together as one community. Events include a Student Essay Contest to empower youth voices on themes of unity and justice, and a Community Service Project inviting residents to make a difference for those in need.
Highlights also include a Unity Parade, where churches, schools, and local organizations will walk together in a joyful show of support and togetherness, and a Unity Block Party featuring community booths, entertainment, a special program, and complimentary food and beverages for attendees.
A cornerstone of the celebration is the MLK Community Prayer Breakfast, a reflective and inspirational gathering focused on fellowship, hope, and honoring Dr. King’s vision.
EVENT DETAILS:
There’s a place for everyone to get involved–serve. celebrate. learn, uplift, and unite. Here are the event details below.
Essay Contest:
Check with your school for details. It is open to area students. Winners will be recognized in February 2026
Community Service Project:
Help launch a much-needed food pantry at the Ralph Bunche Community Center by collecting and donating items.
Donate non-perishable food items, hygiene essentials, and basic household needs to help support families facing hard times.
View the full wish list at https://bit.ly/3MB8COJ?r=qr or email [email protected] for additional ways to give or to learn more.
Parade:
Join the Unity March and Parade on Saturday, January 17th. It begins at 10 AM. Participants should line up at CW Lewis Stadium at 9:15 a.m. with your bike, vehicle, float, etc. All are welcome to join.
Sign up to participate at https://bit.ly/3MCQW5g?r=qr to enter, or email [email protected]. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place will be awarded.
Block Party:
Gather at the Saline County Courthouse on January 17th at 11am. There will be community booths, live entertainment, kids’ activities, a special program, and free food & drinks for everyone.
Sign up for your 10×10 booth at https://bit.ly/4j0IfxK?r=qr or email [email protected].
Prayer Breakfast:
Come to Northside Church of Christ on Monday, January 19th, 8AM. There will be a morning gathering for delicious food, powerful prayer, reflection, and unity.
This will be at the Outreach Center, at 917 North East Street in Benton.
All are welcome to come shared in a moment of community hope and renewal.
Organized and supported by:
Ralph Bunche Community Development Council (CDC), with support from the Benton School District, Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC), City of Benton, City of Bryant, Everett Buick GMC, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Northside Church of Christ, the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association (RBNA), Recycle Saline, Saline County, Summerwood Partners, the Saline Courier, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Rho Omega Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Tau Phi Lambda Chapter, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Organizers encourage all Benton residents to take part in the events, which aim to strengthen families, connect communities, and carry forward Dr. King’s dream of justice and equality for all.
•
