MLK Gala Renamed to Honor Elzie Odom, New Scholarship Created

Published on January 16, 2026

By Arlington Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc.

The Arlington Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc. renamed its signature event and launched a scholarship to honor the legacy of former Arlington Mayor Elzie Odom.

The committee revealed that its annual gala celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will now be known as the Elzie Odom MLK Advancing the Dream Gala. The renaming was announced during the 2026 Gala as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognizing local leaders who embody the values championed by Dr. King.

“Renaming the Gala in Mayor Odom’s honor is a meaningful way to recognize his legacy and ensure that his impact is celebrated for years to come,” said Lisa Thompson, board president of the Arlington MLK Celebration Committee.

Elzie Odom made history as Arlington’s first African American mayor, elected on May 3, 1997, after serving on the City Council beginning in 1990 and earlier on the Planning and Zoning Commission. During his years as an elected official, Odom championed economic development, youth opportunity, improved transportation and mobility, and greater inclusion on city boards and commissions. He retired from city government in 2003 but continued to serve on numerous boards, including the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the Arlington MLK Celebration Committee. Odom passed away on Nov. 17, 2025, at the age of 96.

In addition to renaming the gala, the committee announced the creation of the Elzie Odom Endowed Scholarship, which will provide financial support to University of Texas at Arlington students pursuing a degree in Public Affairs. The scholarship was made possible through a generous $50,000 endowment from Atmos Energy.

“This is a tribute to Mayor Odom’s unwavering commitment to equity, education, and opportunity,” said Thompson. “We are grateful to Atmos Energy for their partnership in honoring his legacy.”

The Elzie Odom Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually, continuing his legacy of opportunity and empowerment for generations to come. Details regarding eligibility, application deadlines, and award amounts will be announced in Spring 2026. You can learn more at ArlingtonMLK.com.