Garland’s Martin Luther King, Jr. 2024 celebration was a huge success. It started with a parade of over 125 entries that included Annie Dickson, 
vice president of Garland’s NAACP branch, Mayor Scott LeMay and other city officials. Linda Griffin, the
president of the Garland ISD board of trustees, additional trustees and Corsharra Prenell, chair of Garland’s Community Multi-Cultural Commission were also on-hand. Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist had 10 entries, and the choir from Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was also in the group. The GISD high schools were represented by marching bands, drill teams, cheerleaders and flag corps. A group of Garland masons also participated in the MLK parade.
Gwen Daniels planned the parade for the 33rd consecutive year. She does everything from reserving the venue for the weekend’s events, securing sponsorships to selecting the grand marshal.
“It is with great pride that I brag on the community togetherness that our annual MLK activities in Garland have helped to pave the way over 
three and a half decades to make Garland the model city in the country,” Daniels said. “Even something as simple as our annual MLK Creative Parade Entry Contest spurs all sorts of competition among us to go that extra mile to express our creativity, spotlight the yearly theme and pour some time and energy into the competition.”
This year’s theme was “Continuing to Fulfill the Goals of Dr. King: Register & Vote in 2024.” The first-place winner was the GISD Board of Trustees; second place was the Dallas County Precinct Chairs (headed by Lawrence Simpson) and for the first time ever, there was a tie for third place, the Rainbow Neighborhood Association, and the Sims Chapel Choir.
The 2024 grand marshal was Reuben Lael Griffin, who also planned and produced the “Lift Every Voice and Sing” show that immediately followed the parade.
A group of 100 young people participated in the show and worked behind the scenes.
Griffin explained the importance of the kids’ involvement in these kinds of activities.
“It’s like planting seeds of creativity and confidence,” he said. “Our goal and mission are to provide ‘fine arts in the community’ and allow as many young performers as possible to sing, act and dance. Our team believes every child has a gift, and our job is to nurture it and set them up for success, especially since many can’t afford private lessons. Every year, we witness more and more seeds growing into amazing trees of talent.”
Plans for the musical begin in August, but the kids only have four rehearsals to bring it to life.
“Even with this short window to learn and memorize the material, the kids always deliver a stellar performance,” Griffin said.
This was the production’s third year. Griffin said that the response has always been supportive. He added that this showcase of talent was originally a community gospel choir that performed as part of the MLK celebration for over 35 years.
The production is important for various reasons.
“It’s all about passing the mic and inspiring the next generation of stars,” Griffin said. “We are shaping the future rockstars, leaders
and dreamers. Plus, it keeps me young at heart! I grew up in this music program, and it has played an instrumental part in my career, as the creative director for over a decade, I’ve been able to transform it into a musical theatre showcase.”
Griffin has a successful music career that he described as a “melody in progress – some high notes, some soulful lows, but always a rhythm worth dancing to.”
In addition to exploring a variety of roles in the arts, Griffin serves as arts commissioner for the city of Garland and chair of the Millennial Board of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. He’s also anticipating the release of new music, videos and live performances.
“I am truly blessed to be able to pursue my dream every day,” Griffin said.
On Sunday, a group of talented Garland ISD youth had an opportunity to showcase their talents at a variety-type show. There was poetry, a puppet show, dance and a drum accompaniment.
Corsharra Jackson has produced this part of the MLK celebration for over 15 years.
She believes strongly in the importance of giving youth an opportunity to show off their talents. She also feels that programs like this help build self-esteem and give the kids a chance to receive support from loved ones and the community.
“Standing on the stage, under the lights and all eyes are on you can be a very scary event,” Jackson said. “Those that get outside of their comfort zone and get on stage in front of strangers, deserve all the support and guidance that we can give them.”
She added that there are also opportunities for those that do not perform. They can serve as ushers, emcees, work the lights, sound board, curtains and help get groups on and off the stage. There are 
plenty of responsibilities for all the kids to help make the event a success.
Jackson is the parent of three and has always encouraged her children to be the best version of themselves all the time. Additionally, she has taught them that nothing beats a failure but a try.
“On career day when I was growing up, the normal people showed up, like the doctors, lawyers, firefighters, police officers, teachers and nurses,” Jackson said. “There wasn’t any representation for dance, choreography, acting or those that work behind the scenes. Having children of my own that loved to sing, dance and set a stage, I realized that there were probably thousands of other kids that loved the same things and would love to be a part of our celebration weekend.”
Jackson added that producing this program is important to her because she wants to set the stage for any youth that wants to show off their ability to keep a crowd engaged. Whether it be by emceeing, shower singing, living room dance moves, nighttime flashlight skills by working the lights or revealing a group by opening and closing the curtains, they need a chance to show off their talents.
“I truly look forward to this event every year,” Jackson said.
Parade photos provided by Kay Moore.
Performance photos provided by Simmons Event Photography.