Sherman, Texas -- The Texoma community gathered at Austin College to participate in the College’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration on Monday, January 19. This year’s theme was “Be the Bridge: From Division to Beloved Community.” The event brought together the local community and the College in honor of Dr. King's legacy of justice, equality, and service.
The 2026 MLK Community Celebration program featured performances by the student organization Black Expressions, in which students Tracee Tarleton ’26, Cyn Maciel ’27, Raziya McKinney ’28, and Taylor Jones ’28 recited original poetry as well as Langston Hughes’ I Dream A World. Julien Tatang ’28 sang "I Know Where I’ve Been."
This year’s keynote speaker was Denison City Council member, Place 5, and Sr. Systems Administrator at Grayson College Aaron “A.T.” Thomas.
“Increase your intentionality,” said Thomas during his speech. “The fruit we bear will be sweeter, not just for us, but for those who inherit this world when we’re gone.”
Additional speakers included Dr. Al Hambrick ’79, representing the Grayson County NAACP branch, Dr. Edwin Clark from the Sherman Rotary Club, and last year’s MLK Visionary Award Recipient Eric Ross.
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual MLK Visionary Award to Pastor Robert Softly of The Friendly Church of Sherman. “I would just like to say thank you to all of you and to the community,” said Softly. “The theme this year is building bridges, and that is the life I have tried to live—building bridges.”
Softly has served the Sherman Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance for 45 years, including 20 years as its president. Under his leadership, faith communities came together to pursue justice, promote compassion, and strengthen the moral fabric of the city. Softly also served two terms on the Sherman City Council, including one year as its deputy mayor where he advocated inclusive policies and community development. As a Rotarian for more than 30 years and a past president of the Sherman Rotary Club, he has lived the idea of service above self. His work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Texoma Boy Scouts further reflects his deep commitment to youth leadership development and strong civic institutions.
Softly is also one of the co-founders of Austin College’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration.
The annual MLK Day Community Celebration serves as a fundraiser for the Grayson County NAACP branch scholarship fund, supporting students in the region.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, proudly celebrates 150 years in the Texoma region in 2026. Since establishing its home in Sherman in 1876, the College has formed deep and lasting partnerships with the community—collaborations that continue to enrich both campus life and the broader region. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Known for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, and hands-on learning, Austin College is one of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives. Founded in 1849, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original name and charter.
