Carrying forward MLK’s spirit of service

Published on: January 27, 2026 By: Staff Reports

MLK Fest 2026 gallery banner — UT Southwestern volunteers gather for a photo before participating in community service honoring the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

In the weekend ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, nearly 100 UT Southwestern community members united in service to honor the civil rights leader’s lifelong commitment to others. Volunteers assembled into a “clean team,” traveling the streets of Dallas’ historic Fair Park South Dallas District in continued efforts to beautify the area. Hosted by The Walls Project, the annual MLK Fest brought together thousands of volunteers dedicated to supporting and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Dozens of UTSW community members and their families join in to serve the South Dallas neighborhood.

UTSW Office for Institutional Opportunity staff welcome volunteers to their table at the outdoor event, offering T-shirts, gloves, hats, and hand warmers.

Volunteers are all smiles while lending a helping hand in support of our local community.

Community members put teamwork into action to beautify the neighborhood by planting trees.

Participants work together to plant trees for a greener environment.

UTSW volunteers connect with local residents in support of community outreach.

Attendees, even braving the cold, show off their spirit of community service.

Following the cleanup, volunteers enjoy an outdoor celebration that includes music and a complimentary lunch.