Upcoming Events
Martin Luther King Center hosts a variety of annual events including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service & Awards, Soul of the City, Thanksgiving Meals and Children’s Holiday Gifts.
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
Office Hours with West End Revitalization
Join us for Office Hours with West End Revitalization (WER)—a monthly opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about what’s happening in the West End.
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:00 AM, these informal gatherings take place at Wholly Grinds (2409 11th St, Rock Island, IL), a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop and community hub.
Day of Play at MLK
Join us for Day of Play at the MLK Center! Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come play with us!
The Family Advocacy Center is excited to partner with The Center Youth & Family Solutions (CYFS) and their recruitment team to bring families, children together for an event focused on the importance of play.
Play helps children build confidence, friendships, creativity, and healthy relationships. It also gives families and communities a chance to connect, support one another, and simply enjoy time together.
This event is open to the entire community to support youth and families throughout the Quad Cities.
Soul of the City
SAVE THE DATE!
Join the MLK Center for Soul of the City 2026 — an outdoor community block party celebrating culture, diversity, strong neighborhoods, and families.
Nearly 5,000 people joined us last year, making it one of the largest celebrations in Rock Island. Admission is free and open to all.
Stay tuned for details on vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and the parade!
37th Annual Thanksgiving Meals
Enjoy a delicious, free Thanksgiving meal from the MLK Center.
All are welcome!
We invite the entire Quad Cities community to enjoy a delicious, free Thanksgiving meal.
The 37th Annual MLK Center Thanksgiving Meals Program is coming this November!
Join us as we continue a Quad Cities tradition of providing free Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families throughout our community. Multiple meal distribution locations will be available across the Quad Cities to help ensure everyone can enjoy a warm holiday meal.
- Locations in Rock Island, Davenport, and Milan
- Free Thanksgiving meals
- Open to the entire community
More details, distribution times, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship information coming soon.
For sponsorship opportunities, call (309) 732-2999.
Together, we're making sure no one goes without a Thanksgiving meal.
King's Cafe (Thursday)
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MLK Center Prevention Team Presents: The Brotherhood Table
In recognition of Men's Mental Health Month, the MLK Center Prevention Team and Destiny Quest invite you to join us for The Brotherhood Table.
This gathering is an opportunity for men to come together in a supportive space to connect, share experiences, build community, and have honest conversations about mental health, wellness, and life.
Whether you want to listen, share, learn, or simply be in community with others, you are welcome.
King's Cafe (Wednesday)
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
King's Cafe (Tuesday)
King’s Cafe is a place where conversations happen, relationships grow, and community is built—one cup at a time.
Tuesdays–Thursdays
May–August
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
West End Revitalization to Host Centennial Bridge Community Discussion
As the June 3 public comment deadline approaches, WER is holding space for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to better understand the process and share concerns, questions, and priorities that should be considered as decisions move forward.
Topics will include:
- Overview of the bridge alternatives currently under discussion
- What is known and what remains uncertain
- Community questions that have emerged
- Potential neighborhood impacts and opportunities
- Information on how residents can submit public comments if they choose
WER believes major neighborhood decisions work best when residents are informed early and have meaningful opportunities to participate in shaping outcomes.
Residents, businesses, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation.
Learn more: centennialbridge.com
Office Hours with West End Revitalization
Join us for Office Hours with West End Revitalization (WER)—a monthly opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about what’s happening in the West End.
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:00 AM, these informal gatherings take place at Wholly Grinds (2409 11th St, Rock Island, IL), a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop and community hub.
Pastries with Prevention
Join our MLK Prevention Team during King’s Cafe for a special morning focused on connection and conversation.
In honor of National Prevention Week, we’re hosting Pastries with Prevention—a relaxed gathering where sweet treats meet meaningful conversation.
Stop in for coffee and pastries, connect with others, and take time to learn, reflect, and grow together in a welcoming space.
No registration needed. All are welcome.
*This event takes place during King’s Cafe, so feel free to come and go as you like.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 25th, 2026 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.
Our MLK Prevention Team, in partnership with local law enforcement, will be collecting unwanted and expired medications.
**Pills, patches, vaping devices, and cartridges will be accepted.*Be sure to remove device batteries No sharps No liquids **
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
Provided:
Child care
Light Refreshments
Judge Free Zone
Safe Space
Future dates: 4/7/26
Questions? Contact the Family Advocacy Center at 309-732-2985 or email.
MLK Center Day of Giving
Celebrate the MLK Center Anniversary
March 23 marks the 51st anniversary of our building, a place where generations of
children and families have found support and opportunity.
We are inviting YOU to take action and celebrate this milestone by supporting programs that help youth learn, grow, and succeed right here in the Quad Cities.
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
Provided:
Child care
Light Refreshments
Judge Free Zone
Safe Space
Future dates: 3/24/26, 4/7/26
Questions? Contact the Family Advocacy Center at 309-732-2985 or email.
Life Skills Group
MLK Center Family Advocacy Center Presents Life Skills Group
There will be separate groups for men and women from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Biweekly on TUESDAYS
Women’s Group: MLK Conference Room
Men’s Group: MLK Banquet Room
This group will be led on a “What’s on Your Mind” basis letting the participants lead with the guidance of qualified staff. Come as you are and learn better wats to navigate through life!
Provided:
Child care
Light Refreshments
Judge Free Zone
Safe Space
Future dates: 3/10/26, 3/24/26, 4/7/26
Questions? Contact the Family Advocacy Center at 309-732-2985 or email.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
United Way has trained volunteers from the community help prepare basic, current year tax returns for eligible taxpayers free of charge! For more information about the VITA program, visit their website here.
Fundraiser Tuesday at Great River Brewery
Come out, enjoy great food and drinks, and support a local nonprofit making a difference in our community.
From 5:00 to 8:00 PM, 10 percent of all sales including drinks, food, and merchandise will be donated to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
Memorial Service & Awards in Honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr
The 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service & Awards will be in-person and will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube starting at 10:30am on Monday, January 19th, 2026.
The Memorial Service theme, “A Time for Vigorous and Positive Action,” reflects the MLK Center’s commitment to inspiring change through service, unity, and a shared dedication to justice and equity throughout the Quad Cities community.
The program will include a variety of performances and presentations in honor of Dr. King, and two scholarships will be awarded. The “I Have A Dream” Award will be presented to a Rock Island citizen for exemplary community service and enormous contributions made to the community.
A recording of this event will be available afterwards on our Facebook page, website, and YouTube channel.
For more information, please call 309 732 2999 or email mlkmail@rigov.org
49th Annual Children's Holiday Gifts
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!
The Martin Luther King Center is pleased to present the 49th Annual Children’s Holiday Gift Giveaway!
This event provides wrapped gifts and other goodies for children ages 3-12 residing in the Quad Cities area who have already registered.
*Pre-registration is required to pick up gifts.
Pick Up Times*
Thursday, December 18th: 9am - 4pm
Friday, December 19th: 9am - 4pm
Saturday, December 20th: 10am - 2pm
39th Annual ACTIVE Club Christmas Party
Join us at the MLK Center for the ACTIVE Club Christmas Party!
This annual celebration brings community members together for an evening of connection, good food, and seasonal joy. Our Christmas party is one of our longest standing traditions and a chance to enjoy time together during the holiday season. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland".
Event Schedule
• Social hour begins at 3:45 pm
• Dinner is served at 4:30 pm
• Program begins at 5:00 pm
Tickets are $25.00. Please contact Belinda Rusch at (309) 269-2358 for information or to reserve your seat.
ACTIVE stands for Aging Citizens Taking Interest in a Variety of Experiences. The club focuses on creating meaningful activities that keep community members engaged, supported, and inspired.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
#TakeBackDay offers a safe and free opportunity for communities across the nation to dispose of old medications discreetly. On October 25th, from 10am to 2pm, bring your unused prescription drugs to a nearby collection site. Visit www.DEATakeBack.com to find one near you.
West End Revitalization Community Celebration
West End Revitalization Participatory Budgeting Winning Proposal Announcement
Soul of the City
Join the MLK Center, Rock Island Parks and Recreation, The West End Rib Fest, Community Caring Conference, and the Rock Island County NAACP for Soul of the City 2025 — an outdoor community block party celebrating culture, diversity, strong neighborhoods, and families.
Nearly 5,000 people attend each year, making this one of the largest celebrations in Rock Island. Admission is free and open to all.
Festivities begin with the Soul of the City Parade at 10:00 AM, starting at Frances Willard Elementary School (25th Avenue and 9th Street) and marching north on 9th Street before disbanding at Franklin Field.
Highlights
Performances & Entertainment
Jesse White Tumblers
Funktastic Five
Rock Island Boxing Club exhibition
Dynamic Status Gems Dance Team
Six of the QC’s most sought-after DJs
Food & Vendors
West End Rib Festival & Contest
Food trucks & local vendors
Community resource booths
Family Fun
Kidz Zone with bounce houses, games, and activities
Face painting & balloon twisting
Youth activities and GoCarts with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
West End Revitalization Community Meeting
Join us for the next steps in the Participatory Budgeting Process!
West End Revitalization Community Meeting
Join us for an evening of celebration, updates, and action. This is a follow-up to our April gathering and we’re keeping the momentum going.
West End Revitalization Update
West End Revitalization Update is Tuesday, April 29th from 5pm-7pm.
Join us for an exciting update on the West End Revitalization! We'll be sharing the latest progress, upcoming plans, and ways you can get involved in transforming the heart of our community. This is an Open House and everyone is invited to attend and learn more. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 26th from 10 AM to 2 PM, with easy drop-off locations at Rock Island County Justice Center, Milan Police Department, Moline Police Department, East Moline Police Department, and Silvis Police Department.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Pills, patches, vaping devices, and cartridges will be accepted.*Be sure to remove device batteries *No sharps *No liquids
MLK's 50th Anniversary Open House
This event is FREE & open to everyone—whether you’ve been part of our journey for years or you’re just learning about us, we’d love to celebrate with you!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
United Way has trained volunteers from the community help prepare basic, current year tax returns for eligible taxpayers free of charge! For more information about the VITA program, visit their website here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service & Awards
Join us in-person or virtually for the 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service & Awards, which will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube starting at 10:30am on Monday, January 20th, 2025
48th Annual Children's Holiday Gifts
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. ALL AVAILABLE SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
35th Annual Thanksgiving Meals
Enjoy a delicious, free Thanksgiving meal! All are welcome!
Soul of the City (Family Fun Day & Parade)
The Annual Family Fun Day & Parade is back for a fun filled 2 day event! Admission is free and all are welcomed!