Mike Newman

A full day of activities opened the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Plano this year. Saturday, January 14 began with a Power Leadership Breakfast, Empowering Humanity hosted at the Collin College Living Legends Conference Center on Spring Creek Campus in Plano.

Emceed by college president Cary Israel assisted by event co-chairs Evelyn McKnight and Adrian Rodriguez, the morning session included a special salute to retiring state Sen. Florence Shapiro, a longtime supporter of the MLK observance and the power breakfast program. In the keynote address Shapiro stressed the roll of education in creating opportunity for all citizens.

Following breakfast and joined by more supporters, the group took a "Power Walk" down Ave. K to the Plano City Hall where they heard from keynote speaker, educator and community advocate Dr. Myrtle Hightower, founder of the Plano Community Charity.

City Hall activities also featured entertainer Doc Gibbs at the keyboard, and special guests U.S. Navy Petty Officers Rolanda Levingston, Nadean Barton, Erica Blackwell, and Astacha Sanks. MLK Art Contest winners included Kaliyah Johnson, Eva Cates, Jasmine Badillo, and Nickolas Ross.

View a Slideshow