MLK Day in Northwest Arkansas: Remembering the Life and Legacy of Dr. King

January 19, 2021

Giving

Walmart Matching Donations for MLK Day of Giving

NWA Daily

Inspired by Martin Luther King's lifelong commitment to service and leadership, Walmart is hosting a one-day, online MLK Day of Giving, to make it easy for anyone in the community to give back and help others. - Walmart

  • The matching campaign will take place for all U.S Walmart, Sam's Club, brand family associates, or any consumer, today, Jan. 18, from 12:01am to 11:59pm EST.
  • Walmart is matching $3 for every $1 donated, up to $2 million. And don't worry, there is a $10,000 donation limit for those worried about giving TOO much.

To participate, donors select a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that is included in the MLK Day of Giving portal.

Community

New and Improved Fayetteville Public Library is 'Beyond Words'

The newly expanded Fayetteville Public Library is set to open this week, however there will be limited capacity for visitors and enforced social distancing measures.

  • The facility now boasts over 100,000 sq. ft. of space (you read that right), and includes a new children's library, performance space, 16 station kitchen, cafe and more. Can we move in?
  • David Johnson, library executive director, said that the library will become a hub for the community. "It's going to level the playing field for so many in our community. It's going to allow people to go to the library and educate themselves," he said. -Fayetteville Flyer

  • The expansion was funded by a $26.5 million millage increase, approved by voters in 2016.

  • Library directors says the possibilities for the space are endless, hoping to create a space for events similar to Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, and TED Talks.

  • To read the full story, click HERE.

Sports

Batter Up - Lady Razorback's 2021 Schedule

Following an odd ending to the 2020 softball season, the Lady Razorbacks were unsure how the 2021 season would play out. On Friday, Coach Courtney Deifel announced the 2021 schedule which includes a full slate of SEC opponents and in-state opponents.

  • Finishing the 2020 with a 19-6 record and ranked in the top 20, the UofA softball team is eager to compete once again. Their season opens on February 12 with a series of non-conference opponents. Their home opener is scheduled for February 25 as they are set to host North Dakota State.
  • More information about their full season schedule can be found HERE.

Travel

XNA Looks Forward to 2021 After Record Low Travel Year

Suhyeon Choi

After a 60 percent drop in travel between January and December last year, XNA is left scrambling to figure out what's next for the airport in 2021. Andrew Branch, XNA's Chief Development Officer, said the COVID-19 pandemic "took the wind out of our [XNA] sails" after a record-setting year in 2019.

  • Branch said XNA's top priority is restoring confidence in airlines for travelers by promoting social distancing measures and mandatory mask requirements.
  • Both business and leisure travel are on the rise, but the real difference will be when the majority of travelers become vaccinated, Branch said.
  • Airport administrators are currently in the design phase for the construction of a sky bridge that will safely transport flyers from the parking lot to the TSA checkpoint, and have plans to add interior elevators and escalators as well.
  • Listen to the full story on KUAF.

Community

How to Remember: MLK Day in NWA

    • The featured speaker is Reginald K. Murdock, State Representative for District 48. Murdock serves on the Arkansas Legislative Council and is the Vice-chairperson for the Joint Performance Review Committee. He is a proud gradate of Lee High School in Marianna and the U of A, where we earned a degree in industrial engineering.
  • The NWA Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the MLK Council will also be partnering up to host a Food Drive and Community Service Project anytime on Tuesdays between Jan. 11 and Jan. 22, 2021, from 10am to 1pm.
    • A drop-off box will be available at the pantry for items to be received after hours.
  • The NWA MLK Council will also be hosting a virtual Freedom March on Jan. 18, at 11:15 am via Zoom.

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