A MLK Community Dinner featuring soul food is open to the public from 2 to 4 p.m at the Coppin Chapel AME Church, 329 First Ave. S.

“This is a celebration dinner in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Sherry Washington, of Fort Dodge said. “It is about unity and bringing everyone in the community together.”

The dinner will be held one day before the national holiday commemorating King, who was assassinated in 1968.

There will be an open mic platform that will take place during the dinner. Poems, songs, MLK, history and community topics are open to the public to share.

-Submitted photo
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is perhaps best remembered for a speech at the nation’s capital that is commonly referred to as his “Dream” speech.

“The floor is open to anyone who wants to do a tribute to Martin Luther King during the open mic segment, and you can share your tribute in a variety of ways,” Washington said.

This is a good time for the community to come together and share in the celebration of King’s achievements and works.

“Fort Dodge is a beautiful and diverse community, an overall great hometown,” Washington said. ” In part of which Dr. King’s vision of seeing all races embracing another is the beauty of what we see each day in our blended families and Fort Dodge Community.”

Before the dinner, between noon and 2 p.m., Fade Designz Barbershop, 27 N. 12th St., will be offering free haircuts for children/young men. The haircuts will be provided by Anthony Presswood, the owner, and Jericho Habben.

“Anthony and Jericho are exceptional at cutting hair, and the barbershop is always busy and full of people,” Washington said.

Also Angela’s Hair & More, 29 N. 12th St., will be giving out beauty samples to young girls who stop in from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Angela Davis, the owner, will be providing the beauty samples.

The dinner is at 2 p.m. Coppin Chapel AME Pastor Carolyn Stevenson will begin a MLK prayer and devotion at 2:30 p.m. followed by the open mic.

The dinner and open mic is open to everyone in the community.

Freewill donations are accepted by Coppin Chapel AME Church for those who would like to give to the church, however, there is no charge for the dinner.