MLK Legacy Night

Join the City of Lauderhill for an inspirational evening in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s enduring legacy. This fireside chat will feature two special guest speakers: Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Ilyasah Sahabazz. This events is dedicated in memory of former Lauderhill Commissioner M. Margaret Bates and former Lauderhill City Manager Desorae Giles-Smith.

Saturday, January 17, 2026
7:30pm (VIP Reception 5:00pm)
Lauderhill Performing Arts Center - 3800 NW 11 Place, Lauderhill, FL 33313 

Featuring Special Guests: 

Dr. Cornel West
Dr. Cornel West, also warmly regarded as Brother West, is the current holder of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary. In his capacity as professor, Dr. West offers instruction on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Philosophy of Religion, African American Critical Thought, and a wide range of subjects encompassing philosophy, politics, literature, cultural theory, music, and the classics. He is dedicated to engaging diverse audiences and advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a focus on truth-telling and the pursuit of love and justice.

Dr. Ilyasah Sahabazz
Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an author, educator, and activist known for preserving and promoting the legacies of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. She holds degrees from SUNY New Paltz and Fordham University and has served as a project advisor for the PBS documentary Prince Among Slaves. Her work includes authoring historical novels, leading youth empowerment programs, and co-chairing the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. 

For more information, please contact us by phone at 954-730-3000 or via email specialevents@lauderhill-fl.gov.

2026 MLK Legacy Night flyer

Tickets On Sale Now! 

VIP Tickets - $100
Guests will enjoy a curated dinner starting at 5:00 PM, complimentary cocktails, a private meet-and-greet, formal photo opportunities, and premier reserved seating.

General Admission - $20

Includes access to the program, lobby entry at 7:00 PM, and first-come, first-served seating. The discussion begins at 7:30 PM.

Sponsorship Information

If you are interested in sponsoring the MLK Legacy Night, please contact us by phone at 954-730-3000 or via email specialevents@lauderhill-fl.gov.

View or download the MLK Legacy Night Sponsorship Deck here.