It’s called DreamWeek and Shokare Nakpodia created the annual event seven years ago to honor the vision of Martin Luther King Jr.
But he says the non-profit event looks to expand on King’s vision.
"DreamWeek is about the promotion of civil and civic engagements,” he said. “It's a summit where our hosts are actual organizations and individuals in the community who figure out ways that they can celebrate tolerance, diversity and equality."
About 80 events are scheduled to be held in libraries, events centers, churches and art museums in and around downtown San Antonio, Napkodia said.
This year's theme is “what makes us human.”
“I — born in Lagos, Nigeria, and living in San Antonio for the last 17 years or so — ... am as human as someone who has never left the East Side of San Antonio,” he said. “That the more we can figure out what we have in common, the less likely we are to have any kind of conflict."
Nakpodia said the idea of finding common ground is achieved by recognizing the diversity of voices who need to be heard.
"I don't think there's any other way out. We achieve more when we recognize other people’s achievements," he said.
The events are spread out over two weeks, beginning Jan. 11 and runs through Jan. 26.
Highlighted events for DreamWeek:
- Jan. 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. — DreamWeek opening ceremony breakfast, at the Spire at St. Paul Square
- Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Fourth annual children's citizenship ceremony, at the Doeseum.
- Jan. 12, from noon to 2 p.m. — ACLU of Texas legislative advocacy training, at Brazan Branch Library
- Jan. 12, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — NOH8 campaign photo shoot, Woodlawn Pointe Auditorium
- Jan. 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Buffalo Soldier day, at the Institute of Texan Cultures big band jazz
- Jan. 15, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. — San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, at Blue Star Brewing Company
Jack Morgan can be reached at jack@tpr.org