An Evening to Celebrate Diversity and Scholarship

In 2010, Pastor Dono and his wife Angelia Pelham had the vision to create a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., something that was nonexistent in our North Texas community up until that point.

Their dream birthed Linking Cultures of Frisco, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting members of the community in an awareness and appreciation of the racial and ethnic backgrounds which make us all unique.

For the past ten years, Linking Cultures has hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Oration Contest.

Grounded in the mission of showcasing diversity and inclusiveness within the Frisco community, the gala features the talents of local performing artists in dance and music, while encouraging local youth to participate in an oration contest. Angelia Pelham shares,

Our scholarship awards have increased significantly over the years. We started out awarding $2,500 to the oration winners ten years ago; and then over time we increased it to $3,000 and for the last several years since 2017, we have awarded $10,000-$13,000 each year. We have our corporate sponsors to thank for that. We are so appreciative of the companies who have made significant contributions to our event each year.

In the last decade, over $50,000 has been awarded in scholarships to Frisco ISD high school seniors. Normally, the top five applicants compete in an oration contest on the evening of the gala in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

While 2020 was challenging for everyone, Linking Cultures is honored to continue to provide scholarships to students again this year. However, out of an abundance of caution, the event will not entail a live dinner/gala.

Instead, the oration competition will showcase the students’ performing their orations in front of a panel of judges in an exclusive format with limited attendees (under 20 people) and LIVE-STREAMED for everyone to see on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 7 pm.

JOIN THE FREE LIVE STREAM!

This not only makes for a riveting night but also an inspiring one, as these talented youth recite their interpretation of the title, “Many Cultures…One Dream.”

LinkingCulturesGala 2 — Mayor Jeff Cheney and scholarship winner at the January 2020 event

Cited as one of Frisco Mayor Cheney’s “favorite events of the year,” the Linking Cultures of Frisco Scholarship Gala honors Dr. King’s contribution to diversity and inclusion while giving Frisco youth and residents a wonderful opportunity to carry out the same.