Two smiling children, each holding a bag and wearing T-shirts, with one T-shirt labeled "Mama's Boy." They stand in front of a green-tinted background with the word "events" written in bold letters.

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.

49th Annual Children's Holiday Gifts
Dec
19
to Dec 20

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


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Memorial Service & Awards in Honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr
Jan
19

Memorial Service & Awards in Honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr

The 43rd 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 19th, 2026.

The Memorial Service theme, “A Time for Vigorous and Positive Action,” reflects the MLK Center’s commitment to inspiring change through service, unity, and a shared dedication to justice and equity throughout the Quad Cities community.

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.

We are now accepting nominations for the “I Have A Dream Award 2026.” Nominate a Rock Island citizen who has demonstrated outstanding community service and made a lasting impact on our community.

Click here to submit your nomination by Friday, December 19, 2025.

I Have A Dream Award Past Winners

Ms Janet Lockhart-Johnson with Layla Rice, the winner of the ML Lockhart scholarship.

The M.L. Lockhart Scholarship is now open for Rock Island High School seniors. Students with a 2.5 GPA or higher who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply.

Click here to submit your application by Friday, December 19, 2025.

Ceremonial Host Rita Jett and Youth Expression winner Zakiya Dade

The MLK Center’s Youth Expression Contest is now open for submissions. Students are invited to share their voice through a poem, spoken word piece, essay, short story, or short skit based on the theme “A Time for Vigorous and Positive Change.”

Entries may be submitted by email to mlkmail@rigov.org, mailed to 630 9th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201, faxed to 309-732-2991, or delivered in person a the MLK Center during operating hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

All entries are due no later than
Friday, December 19, 2025. 

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

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39th Annual ACTIVE Club Christmas Party
Dec
5

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.

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36th Annual Thanksgiving Meals
Nov
21
to Nov 23

36th 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.

Meals include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green beans, corn, roll/cranberry sauce and dessert.

Curbside service is available at (* while supplies last each day):

MLK Center (630 9th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201)

  • Friday, 11/21: 12pm-5pm* (drive-through only)

  • Saturday, 11/22: 11am-5pm* (drive-through)

  • Sunday, 11/23: 12pm-4 pm* (dine-in only)

Blackhawk Fire Protection District (102 3rd St W, Milan, IL 61264)

  • Saturday, 11/22: 10am-12pm* (drive-through only)

Big Brothers Big Sisters (3247 E 35th St Ct, Davenport, IA 52807)

  • Saturday, 11/22: 3pm-5pm* (drive-through only)

TMBC at the Lincoln Center (318 E. 7th St Suite 112, Davenport, IA 52803)

  • Saturday, 11/22: 12pm-1:30pm* (drive-through only)

Sponsorships available by calling (309) 732-2999!

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

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Soul of the City
Aug
30

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)

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West End Revitalization Update
Apr
29

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!

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National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Apr
26

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 26th from 10 AM to 2 PM, with easy drop-off locations at Rock Island County Justice Center, Milan Police Department, Moline Police Department, East Moline Police Department, and Silvis Police Department. 

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Pills, patches, vaping devices, and cartridges will be accepted.*Be sure to remove device batteries *No sharps *No liquids  

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Born Learning Virtual Academy
May
3
to Jun 7

Born Learning Virtual Academy

Born Learning Academies are a series of 6 workshops for parents who are either expecting a child or have a child who hasn't yet entered kindergarten. All academies are limited to 20 families and are available first come, first served.

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