OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Alliance invites all to attend the 42nd Annual Tree of Life Celebration on Saturday, April 4, at 6:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma Historical Center at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
“Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. still continues!” according to a release issued by the Alliance.
As part of the ceremony, the winners of this year’s Essay & Poster contest will be announced and presented with awards. The annual Essay & Poster Contest is just another opportunity for our school-aged students to participate in and learn more about the history of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The theme for 2026 is “We Are Better Together.” Students will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place essay and poster from each category: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. The awards will be given to the essay and poster that meet all the required criteria and receives the most points established by the contest review committee.
Five years after Dr. King’s birthday was named a national holiday, the OKC MLK Alliance organized the first events for the annual King parade and planted a Tree of Life at the Oklahoma State Capitol in 1984.
“The Tree of Life represents our community’s roots, future growth, and resilience,” according to the Alliance. “As life continues to teach us lessons, and the daily struggles for justice and equality resume, we stand by our commitment to honor Dr. King’s Legacy. Despite acts of vandalism over the years, the tree continues to stand and is full of life.
“Our theme ‘We are Better Together’ emphasizes how strong our community can be and illustrates our unwavering strength that shines when we decide to come together,” the Alliance continued. “We choose to follow greatness and realize that all power comes from within. The power to change, transform, and reform our circumstances, is from all of us. Join us as we commit to finishing the work on ending racism, reclaiming, and rebuilding, our beloved community.”
