Upcoming Events
Martin Luther King Center hosts a variety of annual events including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service & Awards, Soul of the City, Thanksgiving Meals and Children’s Holiday Gifts.
37th Annual Thanksgiving Meals
Enjoy a delicious, free Thanksgiving meal from the MLK Center.
All are welcome!
We invite the entire Quad Cities community to enjoy a delicious, free Thanksgiving meal.
The 37th Annual MLK Center Thanksgiving Meals Program is coming this November!
Join us as we continue a Quad Cities tradition of providing free Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families throughout our community. Multiple meal distribution locations will be available across the Quad Cities to help ensure everyone can enjoy a warm holiday meal.
MLK Center | 630 9th Street, Rock Island
Friday, Nov. 20 | 12–5 PM (Drive-through only)
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 11 AM–5 PM (Drive-through & delivery)
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 12–4 PM (Dine-in only)
Additional Pickup Locations | Saturday, Nov. 21
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley | 3247 E. 35th St. Ct., Davenport
10 AM–12 PM
East Moline Public Library | 745 16th Ave, East Moline
11 AM-1PM
Blackhawk Fire Protection District | 102 W. 3rd Street, Milan
Pickup time coming soon!
For large delivery request (25+ meals) order here.
We're looking for volunteers ages 13 and older to help prepare, package, and distribute meals throughout the weekend! Click here to sign up!
For sponsorship opportunities, call (309) 732-2999.
Together, we're making sure no one goes without a Thanksgiving meal.
Memorial Service & Awards in Honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr
The 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service & Awards will be in-person and will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube starting at 10:30am on Monday, January 18th, 2027.
This year’s theme, “Never lose infinite hope,” comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 sermon Shattered Dreams.
Our featured speaker will be Rev. Damon T. Colvin of Second Baptist Church.
The program will include a variety of performances and presentations in honor of Dr. King, and two scholarships will be awarded. The “I Have A Dream” Award will be presented to a Rock Island citizen for exemplary community service and enormous contributions made to the community.
A recording of this event will be available afterwards on our Facebook page, website, and YouTube channel.
For more information, please call 309 732 2999 or email mlkmail@rigov.org
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
#TakeBackDay offers a safe and free opportunity for communities across the nation to dispose of old medications discreetly. On October 24th, from 10am to 2pm, bring your unused prescription drugs to a nearby collection site. Visitwww.DEATakeBack.com to find one near you.
Office Hours with West End Revitalization
Join us for Office Hours with West End Revitalization (WER)—a monthly opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about what’s happening in the West End.
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:00 AM, these informal gatherings take place at Wholly Grinds (2409 11th St, Rock Island, IL), a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop and community hub.
Opal Lee’s 100th Birthday Celebration at East Moline Public Library
Join the East Moline Public Library and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”
Come learn about Opal Lee’s journey, the history of Juneteenth, and the impact one person can have on creating change.
Throughout the evening, take part in Walk With Opal: A Journey to Washington, an interactive learning experience throughout the library exploring Juneteenth, civil rights history, and Opal Lee’s advocacy.
The celebration will also include family activities, storytime, crafts, giveaways, red birthday treats from local Black-owned business Red Trunk Treats, and live saxophone music from Anthony Collins, including a special jazz rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
Registration Required
Soul of the City
SAVE THE DATE!
Join the MLK Center for Soul of the City 2026 — an outdoor community block party celebrating culture, diversity, strong neighborhoods, and families.
Nearly 5,000 people joined us last year, making it one of the largest celebrations in Rock Island. Admission is free and open to all.
Stay tuned for details on vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and the parade!
King's Cafe (Thursday) LAST KING’S CAFÉ FOR THE SEASON!
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
King’s Cafe at MLK Center ft. Pastries with Prevention Team (Wednesday)
King's Café is brewing something special! Join us on Wednesday, August 26 for Pastries with Prevention, a special King's Café in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.
Stop by for coffee, pastries, and conversation while learning about:
Free Narcan kits
A quick demonstration on recognizing an overdose and using naloxone
Illinois and Iowa Good Samaritan Laws
Fentanyl awareness and overdose prevention
Local treatment and recovery resources
Whether you're looking to learn something new, pick up life-saving resources, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee, there's a seat for you.
Together we can prevent overdose.
*This event takes place during King’s Cafe, so feel free to come and go as you like.
King's Cafe (Tuesday) LAST WEEK OF KING’S CAFÉ FOR THE SEASON!
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
King's Cafe (Thursday)
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
King's Cafe (Wednesday)
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Day of Play at MLK
Join us for Day of Play at the MLK Center! Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come play with us!
The Family Advocacy Center is excited to partner with The Center Youth & Family Solutions (CYFS) and their recruitment team to bring families, children together for an event focused on the importance of play.
Play helps children build confidence, friendships, creativity, and healthy relationships. It also gives families and communities a chance to connect, support one another, and simply enjoy time together.
This event is open to the entire community to support youth and families throughout the Quad Cities.
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
Office Hours with West End Revitalization
Join us for Office Hours with West End Revitalization (WER)—a monthly opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about what’s happening in the West End.
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:00 AM, these informal gatherings take place at Wholly Grinds (2409 11th St, Rock Island, IL), a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop and community hub.
King's Cafe
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MLK Center Prevention Team Presents: The Brotherhood Table
In recognition of Men's Mental Health Month, the MLK Center Prevention Team and Destiny Quest invite you to join us for The Brotherhood Table.
This gathering is an opportunity for men to come together in a supportive space to connect, share experiences, build community, and have honest conversations about mental health, wellness, and life.
Whether you want to listen, share, learn, or simply be in community with others, you are welcome.
West End Revitalization to Host Centennial Bridge Community Discussion
As the June 3 public comment deadline approaches, WER is holding space for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to better understand the process and share concerns, questions, and priorities that should be considered as decisions move forward.
Topics will include:
- Overview of the bridge alternatives currently under discussion
- What is known and what remains uncertain
- Community questions that have emerged
- Potential neighborhood impacts and opportunities
- Information on how residents can submit public comments if they choose
WER believes major neighborhood decisions work best when residents are informed early and have meaningful opportunities to participate in shaping outcomes.
Residents, businesses, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation.
Learn more: centennialbridge.com
Office Hours with West End Revitalization
Join us for Office Hours with West End Revitalization (WER)—a monthly opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about what’s happening in the West End.
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:00 AM, these informal gatherings take place at Wholly Grinds (2409 11th St, Rock Island, IL), a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop and community hub.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 25th, 2026 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.
Our MLK Prevention Team, in partnership with local law enforcement, will be collecting unwanted and expired medications.
**Pills, patches, vaping devices, and cartridges will be accepted.*Be sure to remove device batteries No sharps No liquids **
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
Provided:
Child care
Light Refreshments
Judge Free Zone
Safe Space
Future dates: 4/7/26
Questions? Contact the Family Advocacy Center at 309-732-2985 or email.
MLK Center Day of Giving
Celebrate the MLK Center Anniversary
March 23 marks the 51st anniversary of our building, a place where generations of
children and families have found support and opportunity.
We are inviting YOU to take action and celebrate this milestone by supporting programs that help youth learn, grow, and succeed right here in the Quad Cities.
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
Provided:
Child care
Light Refreshments
Judge Free Zone
Safe Space
Future dates: 3/24/26, 4/7/26
Questions? Contact the Family Advocacy Center at 309-732-2985 or email.
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
Provided:
Child care
Light Refreshments
Judge Free Zone
Safe Space
Future dates: 3/10/26, 3/24/26, 4/7/26
Questions? Contact the Family Advocacy Center at 309-732-2985 or email.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
United Way has trained volunteers from the community help prepare basic, current year tax returns for eligible taxpayers free of charge! For more information about the VITA program, visit their website here.
Fundraiser Tuesday at Great River Brewery
Come out, enjoy great food and drinks, and support a local nonprofit making a difference in our community.
From 5:00 to 8:00 PM, 10 percent of all sales including drinks, food, and merchandise will be donated to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
49th Annual Children's Holiday Gifts
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!
The Martin Luther King Center is pleased to present the 49th Annual Children’s Holiday Gift Giveaway!
This event provides wrapped gifts and other goodies for children ages 3-12 residing in the Quad Cities area who have already registered.
*Pre-registration is required to pick up gifts.
Pick Up Times*
Thursday, December 18th: 9am - 4pm
Friday, December 19th: 9am - 4pm
Saturday, December 20th: 10am - 2pm
39th Annual ACTIVE Club Christmas Party
Join us at the MLK Center for the ACTIVE Club Christmas Party!
This annual celebration brings community members together for an evening of connection, good food, and seasonal joy. Our Christmas party is one of our longest standing traditions and a chance to enjoy time together during the holiday season. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland".
Event Schedule
• Social hour begins at 3:45 pm
• Dinner is served at 4:30 pm
• Program begins at 5:00 pm
Tickets are $25.00. Please contact Belinda Rusch at (309) 269-2358 for information or to reserve your seat.
ACTIVE stands for Aging Citizens Taking Interest in a Variety of Experiences. The club focuses on creating meaningful activities that keep community members engaged, supported, and inspired.
West End Revitalization Community Celebration
West End Revitalization Participatory Budgeting Winning Proposal Announcement
Soul of the City
Join the MLK Center, Rock Island Parks and Recreation, The West End Rib Fest, Community Caring Conference, and the Rock Island County NAACP for Soul of the City 2025 — an outdoor community block party celebrating culture, diversity, strong neighborhoods, and families.
Nearly 5,000 people attend each year, making this one of the largest celebrations in Rock Island. Admission is free and open to all.
Festivities begin with the Soul of the City Parade at 10:00 AM, starting at Frances Willard Elementary School (25th Avenue and 9th Street) and marching north on 9th Street before disbanding at Franklin Field.
Highlights
Performances & Entertainment
Jesse White Tumblers
Funktastic Five
Rock Island Boxing Club exhibition
Dynamic Status Gems Dance Team
Six of the QC’s most sought-after DJs
Food & Vendors
West End Rib Festival & Contest
Food trucks & local vendors
Community resource booths
Family Fun
Kidz Zone with bounce houses, games, and activities
Face painting & balloon twisting
Youth activities and GoCarts with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
West End Revitalization Community Meeting
Join us for the next steps in the Participatory Budgeting Process!
West End Revitalization Community Meeting
Join us for an evening of celebration, updates, and action. This is a follow-up to our April gathering and we’re keeping the momentum going.
West End Revitalization Update
West End Revitalization Update is Tuesday, April 29th from 5pm-7pm.
Join us for an exciting update on the West End Revitalization! We'll be sharing the latest progress, upcoming plans, and ways you can get involved in transforming the heart of our community. This is an Open House and everyone is invited to attend and learn more. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!