Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission heads to Las Vegas for national promotion

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is in Las Vegas from July 14-18 to participate in an outreach promotion.

Officials said commissioners are participating in the 2025 NBA Summer League. The outreach is part of the commission’s mission to promote nonviolence, racial harmony, community empowerment and educational opportunity for all Arkansans, they said.

The commission’s presence, officials said, will spotlight Arkansas educators, mentors, and youth leaders on a national platform, while increasing visibility of Arkansas-based programs and talent during one of the NBA’s largest and most-watched events of the year.

The Arkansas commission’s first appearance is on Tuesday, July 15, when members will lead a special halftime King legacy recognition ceremony honoring Warren LeGarie, executive director and co-founder of the NBA Summer League; Albert Hall, co-founder and president of HallPass Media; and Carole Hattar, director of community relations. Media mogul and coach Percy “Master P” Miller will assist with the presentation.

On Wednesday, July 16, Shanda Macon, educator and coordinator of the School of Innovation for the North Little Rock School District, will be recognized on ESPN during halftime as the Education Appreciation Honoree.

On July 18, Coach Roderick Rogers, a longtime youth mentor from Fordyce, Arkansas, will be honored as the Coaches Appreciation Honoree during halftime, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Throughout the week, an Arkansas vocalist nominated by the commission will perform the national anthem.

“The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission has always recognized excellence in the state of Arkansas,” Commission Chair Sharon Ingram said. “That further shows in the honorees for Coaches Appreciation, Honoree Coach Rogers, and the Education Appreciation Honoree Ms. Macon. Both have devoted decades to their chosen fields, and it is my pleasure to play a part in honoring them for their hard work.”

To learn more about the commission, visit ArKingDream.org.