The Arlington Martin Luther King Jr. "Sharing the Dream" celebration begins Friday, Jan. 17. Since 1990, Arlington has celebrated the birthday of Dr. King. The Arlington celebration includes four days of events.

The celebration planning committee is comprised of representatives from the City of Arlington, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington Independent School District, United States Postal Service, Arlington Ministerial Association and Tarrant County Community College.

This celebration is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Arlington Arts and Cultural Grants Program and the Texas Commission on the Arts with major sponsorships including the Star Telegram, JP Morgan Chase, American Airlines, UTA, AISD, Tarrant County College and the Arlington Ministerial Association.

Schedule of events:

Kickoff Event: The "Sharing The Dream" Banquet
6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17
UTA Bluebonnet Ballroom - E.H. Hereford University Center
Banquet includes the Arlington High School Choir, Step by Step Dance Studio, presentations by the student winners of the Sharing The Dream essay and art scholarship competitions, featuring keynote speaker The Rev. Clarence Glover, Jr.

Jr. Explore 2003
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Red River and Concho Suites – UTA - E.H. Hereford University Center
Designed especially for youth ages six to 13. Participants broaden their awareness of the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through art and dialogue. Artist Tolliver, Jr. facilitates the art session with storytellers and entertainment.

Explore 2003
10 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Jan. 18
Bowie High School Little Theater, 2101 Highbank Dr.
The Rev. Clarence Glover, Jr. leads this free, thought-provoking forum for high school juniors, seniors and adults. Workshop features Glover’s one-hour PBS documentary "In Remembrance of Martin." This film features interviews from those who knew King best, musical performances and rarely seen historical footage. Lunch will be provided.

The MLK Step Show
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Bowie High School, 2101 Highbank Dr.
Competition showcases local step talent from Arlington area junior and senior high school students. Step Show routines must incorporate the Martin Luther King "Sharing The Dream" message. Admission is $5.

The "Sharing the Dream" Multicultural Festival
3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Tarrant County College Southeast Campus, 2100 Southeast Parkway
A celebration to commemorate the life and dream of Dr. King featuring art, music and food from various ethnic cultures within Arlington and the Metroplex. Admission is free.

"Sharing the Dream" - Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service
6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19
First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins St.
Arlington comes together in worship and song. The Rev. Michael Evans, Bethlehem Baptist Church of Mansfield, leads this citywide service. Event features the Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir, Psalm Sacred Dancers and Boys and Girls Choir.

"Sharing The Dream" Youth Extravaganza
7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
UTA – Texas Hall
On what would have been King’s 73^rd birthday, more than 500 youth share King’s dream with song, dance and drama presentations. Free event features more than 14 area school choirs, the Juan Seguin High School Drama Department, and winners of the student art and essay competitions. The winning American Airlines raffle ticket will be drawn and announced.