Honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Sharing the Dream Celebration in Arlington, Texas

by Joseph Linus Barton

HONORING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHARING THE DREAM CELEBRATION IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

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HON. JOE BARTON

OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the "Sharing Dr. King's Dream Celebration" in Arlington, Texas, which marks its 20th Anniversary this year.

It is one of the longest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations in the country, with citywide events taking place over four days starting January 16th

The city's first MLK, Jr., celebration was held back in 1989. The organizing committee included groups from all over the community, including the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, City of Arlington, Arlington Independent School District, Arlington Ministerial Association, Black Citizen's Advisory Council, U.S. Postal Service, Marion Anderson Society, Fort Worth Star Telegram, The University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College--South East campus.

That first event attracted nearly 1,000 participants. Over the years "Sharing the Dream" has continued to grow and it now includes diversity training, sensitivity workshops, banquets, festivals and other multicultural events. This celebration truly embodies what Dr. King's vision was all about and that is a reflection of all communities coming together.

And Arlington's MLK, Jr. Celebration committee continues to expand the event. Each year, in cooperation with the United States Postal Service, they produce an official cachet envelope and a special pictorial cancellation postmark to commemorate the citywide celebration. These special envelopes and postmarks have become favorites of collectors all over the nation.

The theme for this year's cachet envelope and postmark is "20th Anniversary--Sharing the Dream".

The design is always chosen from student submissions to various art or essay contests organized by the Arlington Independent School District. The celebration also recognizes special individuals who have taken the time to make a difference within their respective communities in the areas of Education, Community Service and Government.

This is a unique and very special celebration that each year honors the contribution's of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and on its 20th Anniversary, I am proud to recognize the individuals and organizations that have helped make this event possible over the years and all of the people who have shared Dr. King's dream by attending.

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