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I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged

by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character - Martin Luther King Jr. 

Join Us!

Monday, January 19, 2026  11:00am

Join us for the NAACP Temple Branch 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Day, where inspiration, creativity, and community come together to honor the legacy of Dr. King and uplift the next generation.

We eagerly anticipate a powerful and uplifting program featuring youth oratorical presentations, inspiring performances, and meaningful art displays, all showcasing the talent and voices of our young leaders. The celebration will be highlighted by an encouraging and motivating message from Dr. Teresa Beamon, Co-Pastor of A New Day Fellowship Church.

This event is a beautiful opportunity for families, students, and the community to gather in unity, reflect on Dr. King’s vision, and celebrate the promise of our youth.

Come experience a morning filled with purpose, hope, and inspiration as we continue to advance Dr. King’s dream—together.

Best regards,

The NAACP Temple Branch Executive Committee

SPONSORS


On this day, we will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his courage, wisdom, and strength that gave hope to all Americans.  He lived his life in pursuit of equality and justice for all. His best remembered as a result of his non-violent protest in the civil rights movement.
 

All Activities will include Youth Activities & Program

PROGRAM LINEUP

An empowering program commemorates this day as we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  We celebrate and encourage our youth in the community who are our future leaders. 

Opening Prayer

The occasion, Zoe Grant, President (NAACP Silver Life Member)

Musical Tribute

Scholarship Collection

Musical Selection

Speaker, Dr. Teresa Beamon, A New Day Fellowship Church

Community Covering - Various Pastors

Oratorial, Performance, and Art Contest Winner Announcement

Closing Prayer

Light Lunch 

NO PARADE THIS YEAR ONLY

MLK Jr Oratorical, Performance, and Art Contest

 Visit Categories and Sign Up

Winners Announced at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at A New Day Fellowship on  Monday,  January 19, 2026

Oratorical, Performance and Art Winners Judging   

Divisions in each category:

Grades K-3 // 4-6 // 7-8 // 9-12

Note: This virtual contest takes place before Martin Luther King Jr Day.

**Winners in each category may be asked to showcase their work on the January 19th**

   

Contest Categories

Enter the contest by submitting the following:

1) Oratorical work (poetry, short story, speech) (Audio or Video)

2) Performances work (music, song, dance) (Audio or Video)

3) Artwork (painting, photography, sculpture) (Picture or Photo of item created)

Thank you for your Submissions!

Winners will be awarded at the MLK Jr Day Celebration at A New Day Fellowshp Church on Monday,  January 19, 2026

2026 NAACP Temple Branch Theme

Carrying the Torch Forward: Unity, Action, and Accountability for the Next Generation

As we step into 2026, the NAACP Temple Branch continues to reflect on the legacy entrusted to us by those who came before—and the responsibility we carry to those who will come after. Our history reminds us that progress is never accidental; it is the result of unity, courage, and sustained action. Building on the momentum of recent years, we remain committed to strengthening partnerships, deepening community relationships, and advancing justice together.

In 2026, we affirm that unity fuels progress, action creates change, and accountability sustains justice. This year calls us not only to honor the past but to actively engage in shaping a future where equity and opportunity are realities for all. We recognize that there are no sidelines in the work of civil rights—each of us has a role, and our collective voice matters.

The Value of Unity
Unity is the foundation of our strength. In a time when division threatens progress, we choose collaboration over conflict and inclusion over isolation. Unity reminds us that when we stand together—across generations, backgrounds, and experiences—we amplify our impact and reaffirm that we are truly stronger together.

The Value of Action
Action transforms vision into reality. Advocacy, education, civic engagement, and service are not optional—they are essential. In 2026, we recommit ourselves to moving beyond conversation into purposeful action that addresses inequities in education, health, economic opportunity, housing, and justice. Our youth, in particular, are rising as leaders today, carrying forward the torch with bold ideas and unwavering determination.

The Value of Accountability
Accountability ensures that justice is not just promised, but delivered. We will continue to hold systems, institutions, and ourselves accountable for creating equitable outcomes. Transparency, integrity, and responsibility are vital as we work to protect civil rights and ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect.

As we journey through 2026, let us honor the sacrifices of our ancestors by remaining steadfast in our commitment to unity, action, and accountability. Let us continue building a community where voices are heard, rights are protected, and opportunities are accessible to all.

Together, we will carry the torch forward—lighting the way for future generations and advancing the unfinished work of justice.

We encourage you to join us as members, advocates, and partners in this mission. Our strength lies in our numbers, our diversity, and our shared purpose. Your voice matters. Your presence matters. And together, we will continue the work—now and for generations to come.


Continuation of Tree Plantings 

From our 2023 NAACP Temple Branch Theme

"A Growing Change in the NAACP in 2023"

We will continue to plant our 2025 Life Member Tribute Trees throughout 2024 as weather permits, and we will announce them for community participation.

The NAACP Temple Branch will dedicate five inaugural trees, one tree adopted in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s honor, and four trees planted as a tribute representing our current long-time Church, Organizational, and Business Life Members.

#1-MLK Festival Grounds 220 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Temple, TX 76501 (2025 to add Marker)

Marker: NAACP Temple Branch Tree Adopted Jan 2023 Dr. MLK Jr Day

#2-Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church - 417 S 13th St, Temple, TX 76504 (Planted in 2023, 2025 to add Marker)

#3-St. James Masonic Lodge #71 306 South 12th Street (The African American Churches Historic District) (Planted in 2023, Replant 2024, Replacement in 2025 to add Marker)

#4-Victory Missionary Baptist Church - 1001 E Avenue A, Temple, TX 76501 (Plant in 2025)

#5-St. James United Methodist Church – 707 S 3rd Street, Temple, TX 76504 (Plant in 2025)

Life Member Marker Reads: NAACP Temple Branch LIFE MEMBER Planted 2023 Dr. MLK Jr Day

The trees represent life and the NAACP's Growing Change in our branch and community. Watch the numbers grow across the city on the interactive map on the website. The plantings will be scheduled at Life Member's, documented, and placed on our website.

Please find out more about our Life Membership Drive Here

Click on the image for a live interactive map. Watch the map grow over the years as we add more Life Memberships.


Marker placed at the Adopted of Tree on MLK Festival Grounds

All markers will be placed in 2024-2025. All trees that did not survive last year's weather be replaced.  

We thank the City of Temple and Parks and Recreation for the donated trees and the to-be-adopted tree with markers for our inaugural planting of trees in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Life Member Organization of the NAACP Temple Branch.

Copyright © Temple NAACP Unit, Temple, Texas 2020

NAACP TEMPLE BRANCH 6229-B
P.O. Box 157
Temple, TX 76503
Phone: 254.654.9392
Email:
templenaacpbranch@gmail.com

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