Behind the scenes of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission events that capture the attention of thousands worldwide, DuShun Scarbrough is an average guy who values family, friends, and serving others. Many say that he bears a close resemblance to civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scarbrough also shares a birthday (April 27) with Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With these attributes, it isn’t ironic that Scarbrough is the leader of the state’s Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

 

As the director of the state’s official agency bearing the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Scarbrough works selflessly to promote Dr. King’s legacy of diversity, equity, reconciliation and nonviolence across the state through education and community service, especially targeting rural and underserved communities and youth, providing thousands of hours of volunteer service. His life is a testament of grace. As its leader, Scarborough has taken the Commission to heights unknown. 

 

Formed in 1993, The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission — a division of the Arkansas Department of Education — serves Arkansans of all ages and cultural backgrounds throughout the four congressional districts in its effort to encourage Arkansans to reflect on the life and teachings of Dr. King through educational endeavors, cultural performances, exhibitions and public community outreach projects that are multiethnic and family-oriented. 

 

The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission’s efforts have caught the attention of MLK organizations, commissions and nonprofits from across the country who have requested training and technical assistance in fundraising, sustainability, organizational management, programming and structure from Scarbrough; he has formed several interstate partnerships with these commissions and committees. 

 

“If you’re passionate about other people, the outreach and the programming ideas will come naturally,” Scarbrough says. “When people see that you are making a difference, you are helping others, they will want to join your work. If you have a desire to help people, to make a difference, start right now with what you have, regardless of size. The resources and the participants will come. But you must get started.” 

 

The commission hosts the largest day of service in the nation and the fourth largest event in the nation for volunteerism during the Dr. King holiday weekend. And the commission provides outreach year-round, donating more than 40 thousand pounds of food, toys and coats to citizens.

 

Scarbrough and his wife, Angela, share three children: DuShun Scarbrough Jr., Kennedy and Braxton.

 

For more information about the Arkansas Martin Luther King  Jr. Commission, call 888-290-KING. 

 

Upcoming Programs:

Juneteenth: The Experience

Saturday, June 18

Arkansas State Capitol Steps

 

“Unity in the Community” Festival

Friday, July 1; noon to 4 p.m.

McCloy Park, Monticello

 

is a proud supporter of Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission

 

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