MLK Commission joins Vegas events

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The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission visited Las Vegas for the King Holiday last weekend. Recognized as the most active MLK Commission in the nation, the Arkansas MLK Commission participated in a range of events, solidifying its reputation as a leading force in promoting Dr. King’s legacy of equality and service.

The week began with the annual Nevada Help Desk – Tech Queen Elite Training Institute’s annual King Technology Summit on Friday, a partnership formed to enhance efforts in honoring King and to bring new opportunities to Arkansas communities through technology.

Outreach programs that target young people are crucial to promoting King’s ideology, according to DuShun Scarbrough, director of Arkansas’ King Commission.

“The Tech Summit will bring together youth of all ages to learn about technology and AI,” said Scarbrough. “The goal is to promote computer literacy and tech savviness to further their education.”

Scarbrough emphasized the commission’s dedication to furthering King’s dream, stating, “The commission recognizes the importance of realizing this dream. As a part of the Arkansas Department of Education, the Arkansas Martin Luther King Dream Commission sees itself as a valuable springboard, committed to assisting students in all educational endeavors.”

“The commission’s involvement in the MLK Tech Summit further demonstrated their commitment to empowering future generations,” said Duana Malone, organizer of the Tech Summit. “This summit, which will also be brought to Arkansas thanks to a partnership, focuses on introducing high school students to technology careers.”

The technology summit was attended by approximately 200 students. Scarbrough spoke to the students about how the tech initiative aligns with King’s emphasis on education and opportunity for all, recognizing the critical role of technology in today’s world.

The Arkansas MLK Commission’s efforts did not go unnoticed. The following day the Las Vegas City Council and Mayor Shelley Berkley honored the commission with a special salute and presented Scarbrough with the key to the city. Scarbrough was also individually recognized as a national MLK parade ambassador.

“I wanted to just take an opportunity to thank God. And also truly, truly thank the Las Vegas MLK community for all that you do,” said Scarbrough, who also thanked his 21-person delegation of commissioners and volunteers who accompanied him on the trip.

Wendell Williams, the founder of the Las Vegas MLK parade, was also grateful for the newfound partnership. Williams is also the namesake of Wendell P. Williams Elementary School, where he says the administration and all stakeholders of the school are committed to promoting academic excellence while providing STEAM opportunities that will empower all students to be college and career-ready.

“Partnering with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is a dream come true,” Williams said. “We have mutual goals that we will be working on in tandem.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that you are here with a large percentage of your team to see what we do here in Las Vegas, and the things that we do together are so meaningful and important when it comes to MLK Jr., the vision of nonviolence and unity and community service,” said Berkley. “You embody all of those things, and we are so proud and privileged to have you in our community.”

Scarbrough was presented with a proclamation, as well as given a key to the city.

“I’m very excited. This is my first key to the city,” said Berkley. “With respect and gratitude to Mr. DuShun Scarbrough — thank you for gracing us with your presence. You always are welcome in the great city of Las Vegas.”

As executive director of the King Commission, Scarbrough has tackled food insecurity, coordinated mass feeding projects and strengthened community-police relations through initiatives and partnerships with law enforcement.

Scarbrough spearheaded efforts to heal race relations in Harrison, Ark., hosting the first Black history program, a peace march and a unity concert. He has worked to dismantle stigmas and foster dialogue, including meeting with the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan to promote mutual understanding. He has also hosted anti-bullying rallies throughout the state of Arkansas, including ones in Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Fordyce to name a few.

The Commission has gained national recognition, hosting one of the largest King Day of Service events in the U.S. Scarbrough has been personally trained by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s family in Kingman principles, earning respect from figures such as Arun Gandhi and Dr. Bernice King.

Under his leadership, Arkansas introduced its first commemorative license plate honoring Dr. King and celebrated the Commission’s 30th Anniversary, recognized in the U.S. House by Congressman French Hill and entered into the Congressional Record by Sen. John Boozman in 2023.

Scarbrough said receiving the key to the city of Las Vegas is a moment he will cherish forever.

“To be recognized as the most active organization in the nation promoting Dr. King’s legacy is deeply humbling,” he said. “This award is not just for me or the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, but for every individual who strives to build a more just and equitable world.”

Scarbrough said he is committed to bringing Dr. King’s dream to life in every corner of the nation.

“I share this honor with the incredible members of our commission, whose tireless dedication and unwavering commitment make our work possible,” he said. “Together, we are a force for positive change.”

Scarbrough stated that the award is proof of the strength of community and collaboration, even though he said he doesn’t seek recognition.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnerships we have forged, particularly with the Las Vegas MLK Committee,” he said.

The commission’s presence was prominent at the world’s largest MLK Day parade on Monday in downtown Las Vegas, showcasing their dedication to Dr. King’s dream on a national stage. This high-visibility participation served to highlight the commission’s work and its importance not just within Arkansas, but across the country, as Scarbrough, named national ambassador, led the parade in style as thousands in attendance cheered him on.

The 43rd annual Las Vegas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2025 parade’s theme was “Living the Dream — Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.”

“The trip to Las Vegas provided a valuable opportunity for us to connect with other organizations and individuals dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy,” said Scarbrough. “The partnership with the Las Vegas MLK Committee is a testament to our commitment to collaborate and expand our reach.

“This partnership will not only bring the tech summit to Arkansas,” he added, “but also foster ongoing collaboration and shared learning between the two organizations.”