MLK Society
Events & Updates
Upcoming Events:
2027 "Be the Dream"
Ceremony & Keynote
Stay tuned for more information.
Come see our Oratorical Speech Contest Winner, The Booker School of Music, and The Honorable Ronald Stewart in a night of music and speeches! We will be presenting our essay winner with their award and and introducing our recipients! Come support these amazing winners and community members! We are honored to have them joining us, and we would be honored to have you too!
2027 MLK Week!
Explore our range of events dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promoting equality and justice in our community. Join us for these exciting events in January 2027. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates!
Oratorical Speech
January 13, 2027
10:00 AM
Come meet up to watch the 1st place winner of the Oratorical Speech Contest will be reciting Dr. King’s classic “I have A Dream” speech. This event is sponsored by ONE Gas. We would love to see you there!
'Dream Out Loud' Career Strategies for Student Success
January 14, 2027
9:30 AM - 1PM
Location TBD.
High School students grades 10-12th will navigate through career exploration sessions for career success after a general session in the auditorium. The topics include Criminal Justice, Welding, EMS, Cosmetology/Barber, health Science Technology, Early Care & Education. Lunch will be provided. This event is underwritten by the MLK Commemoration society, Tulsa Tech and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s office.
Gospel Choir Workshop
Dates coming soon
TBD
7 PM nightly
Antioch Baptist Church, 110 W. 56th Street North
This event is hosted by The Booker School of Music. Participants will learn selected songs to be performed during the concert and the commemoration service.
"Who Are You Ministering To?" This enriching workshop will provide an opportunity for singers to refine their vocal talents while engaging in meaningful discussions on the impact of gospel music in ministry and community
'Keeping It Real' Student Leadership forum
Dates coming soon
10:00 AM -1:30 PM
OSU Tulsa
BerThaddaeus Bailey of My Brother’s Keeper Tulsa will facilitate this student forum. More than 200 Tulsa area high school students will participate in this leadership event that will educate and engage students in a discussion about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students will be challenged to explore how they might become more engaged in activism in the spirit of Dr. King. Sponsored by Phillips Theological Seminary.
5th Annual Gospel Choir Concert
January 17, 2027
Time TBD
Location TBD
This uplifting event invites the community to celebrate Dr. King's legacy through the power of gospel music. It is hosted by The Booker School of Music. Join us!
Founder's Community Breakfast
January 18, 2027
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
First Baptist Church North Tulsa
1414 N. Greenwood Ave -
Stalkner Hall.
This event is free to the public. Join us for a breakfast sponsored by the FBCNT Men/Women’s Ministries and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. First Baptist hosted a service in Tulsa where Dr. King spoke in the 1960s.
Youth Art Contest
An art competition for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade in the Tulsa Metro Area. Students must CHOOSE ONE of the three themes that characterize Dr. King's life and work: Love, Peace or Unity
Students create a drawing to illustrate what the theme means to them. Illustrations must be completed in paint, colored pencil and/or crayon on an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of blank white paper. (No ink or pencil drawings. Do NOT fold picture, please.)
Why
To honor the memory of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where
Complete the entry form and mail along the drawing to:
MLK Tulsa Commemoration Society 2027 MLK Day Parade.
P.O Box 14025,
Tulsa OK 74159-1025
or email a PDF/scan of the picture with this entry form to mlktulsa@gmail.com
(No entries will be returned).
When
Art entries must be submitted by Friday, November 20, 2026
Prizes
1st Place - $200
2nd Place - $150
3rd Place - $100
2027 Essay Contest
For students grades 6-8
Sponsored by: Pepsi Beverages Company & The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Society, Inc.
Topic: " Be the Dream”
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350 – 500 words
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Words must be counted and noted on the title page
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Dates count as one word
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Information on the title page is not counted in the word count
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Entries must be typed
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Entries must be double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman or Georgia
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Provide a list of sources to give credit for the information
Oratorical Contest
All 9th through 12th Grade Students
Entry Deadline: November 30, 2026
How to submit
Email each participating student’s name, school, cell phone number, and email address to mlktulsa@gmail.com.
Contest Event
Contestants will recite the “I Have a Dream” speech:
Oklahoma State University –Tulsa
Friday, December 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in North Hall 150.
Performance Requirement
The speech must be memorized. Notes may not be used during the performance. The winners are expected to recite the speech at the following events listed below.
Winner Appearances
The speech must be memorized. Notes may not be used during the performance. The winners are expected to recite the speech at the following events listed below.
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First-place winner: ONE Gas on Wednesday, January 13, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.
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First-place winner: MLK Commemorative Church Service on Sunday, January 17, 2027.
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Second-place winner: MLK Awards Banquet on Friday, January 15, 2027.
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Third-place winner: Step in where needed.
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All Winners: Attend the Annual Awards Banquet
First place: $TBD
Second place: $TBD
Third place: TBD
Cash Awards
In the news
Tulsa Flyer: Tulsa MLK Parade hosts 125 participants
KJRH: Tulsa celebrates Martin Luther King Jr Day with historical parade through Greenwood.
KOTV: Join us for the Tulsa MLK Day parade
KOTV: What to know about Tulsa's 47th annual MLK Day parade
KJRH: Harmony and peace: Tulsans prepare for annual MLK Day parade
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