
SAN ANTONIO – A community event sought to show off the beautiful culture and heritage of Nigeria to visitors across San Antonio.
As part of the Alamo city’s Dreamweek celebrations, the L’Afrique Fashion Show delighted visitors from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Brick at Blue Star.
The L’Afrique Fashion Show showcased the culture of Nigeria. Organizers say events like this help bring the community together, and provide fashion tips.
“One of the things that people need to help others do is dress and dress well,” Dupe Adedeji of Tudi’s African Boutique said. “Not everybody has a sense of fashion. I don’t mean that in an ugly way, but you know, like someone like me, that’s my niche. I love fashion, it doesn’t matter what’s going on, I just want to dress up, and I love to dress people up. So that’s one of the reasons why I do this.”

SAN ANTONIO – Fifteen children were each honored with the “Dream Leader” award on Saturday as part of their volunteering efforts towards improving their communities.
The 10-year tradition at the DoSeum has been part of the DreamWeek summit, a series of events and community activities every January in San Antonio.
“I was really surprised when my mom just came in saying, ‘Shanaya, you’re a Dream Leader!’ You’re like, what?“ 10-year-old winner Shanaya Patel said.
Each award fits in the arts, city, youth, justice, sportsmanship, and education categories.
“San Antonio’s going to continue to be a strong community because the next generation’s got us in good hands,” former Dream Leader Mya Blondel Johnson said. “This is what children need. They need this platform to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Johnson, who served as the emcee for the awards ceremony, continued to say, “I was just so happy that these kids are finally getting recognized for their amazing work.”
Michael Lenton, another Dream Leader, has read more than one million words in a year and collected the most cans of food for a food drive at his school.
“I do this for my parents, and I know my granny, who’s in heaven right now, who would want me to do this for her,” Michael said.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shokare “Sho” Nakpodia, founder of DreamWeek San Antonio, as he shares how Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of equality and unity influences this annual summit. Appearing on SA Live, Sho discusses the mission of DreamWeek 2025, fostering dialogue and action for the common good. Discover how this 17-day event, happening January 10-26, honors MLK’s legacy by creating spaces for meaningful conversations, cultural celebrations, and innovative ideas.

For 13 years now, San Antonio has hosted a summit inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., called DreamWeek San Antonio.
This year the summit coincides with the presidential inauguration and is a series of events created around the city’s MLK March, which organizers say is one of the largest in the country. Its theme, “We are neighbor,” was chosen to embrace unity of people of all backgrounds.
Some DreamWeek San Antonio events dive further into the histories of different cultures to foster the free exchange of ideas between communities, while others include informative and fun speaker panels.
DreamWeek San Antonio founder, Shokare Nakpodia, said the 2025 theme embraces the principles of empathy, solidarity and mutual support to foster a culture of neighborliness that transcends borders.
“Together, we can inspire change, foster unity, and create a city where everyone feels valued and empowered,” Nakpodia said. “We are neighbors, not just by proximity, but by the shared tapestry of our diverse ideas and collective aspirations, weaving a community that thrives through unity and understanding.”
This year, the multi-week summit offers more than 200 separate events across 16 days between Jan. 10 to Jan. 26. To see the full list of events scheduled, click here.
Below are some highlights happening every day during DreamWeek.
Acting under Duress, Surviving with Resilience Exhibit
See seven display panels of four formerly incarcerated survivors’ stories in prose and photos at the University of Incarnate Word’s Condo Student Gallery. Content Advisory: there are written descriptions of violence.
Available until Jan. 25, the exhibit humanizes and contextualizes the actions of abuse survivors under duress and how that led to incarceration.
On Jan. 25 at 3 p.m., Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, Patricia Castillo of the PEACE Initiative, Doshie Piper of the UIW’s criminal justice department, and Cathy Marston of Free Battered Texas Women will discuss how to create justice for survivors at the university’s Library Auditorium.
Black Cowboys: An American Story

Williamsport is inviting the public to join its celebration of Dream Week, in honor of the “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“It is an invitation to all to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream,” a news release said. “Dr. King’s acknowledgement and fight for systemic change serves as the call to action for the Day of Service.”
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.
STEP AmeriCorps, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the United Way of Lycoming County, the United Churches of Lycoming County, and the James V. Brown Library are partnering for Dream Week 2025.
The highlighted events will kick off on Monday, Jan. 20, with the STEP AmeriCorps Peace Walk and hygiene drive, preceded by a children’s event at the library. There are several other opportunities to take part in the Dream Week starting on Jan. 17 listed below.
The Peace Walk, however, will begin at noon at Bethel AME Church, 601 Hepburn St. Participants will depart on a trek that is about a one-mile loop and return to the church. Participants are encouraged to bring a hygiene item to the walk: collected goods will be distributed to local shelters and social service providers.
On Friday, Jan. 24, Penn College is hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on the topic of financial literacy. The luncheon, facilitated by Cornerstone Independent Asset Management, will be held at STEP’s Williamsport campus on Boyd Street.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the United Churches of Lycoming County will organize a bus trip to the African American Museum of History & Culture in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available for $64 each. Interested individuals should call 570-322-1110.
In addition to events, Dream Week 2025 will offer many service opportunities in our community beginning on Friday, Jan. 17. Opportunities include preparing meals, serving meals, packing food boxes, a clothing drive, and produce distribution.
The full list of service opportunities and events, along with registration, can be found at www.stepcorp.org/mlk.
Dream Week events are plentiful and run from Jan. 17 through Jan. 25.
On Jan. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a Meal Prep and Meal and Message will be held at New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 E. Third St.

1. Charlie Wilson
The musical powerhouse, whose career began as founding member and lead singer of the legendary GAP Band, has reached further icon status as a solo artist with 13 No. 1 singles, 13 GRAMMY® nominations, a New York Times and Washington Post best-selling memoir, “I Am Charlie Wilson” and more. Buy tickets here. 7 p.m. Jan. 16, Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
2. School of Rock
“School of Rock – The Musical” is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest hit! Based on the hit movie, the production follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. Jan. 17-19, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.
3. Classics IV: American Voices – A Symphonic Journey
Join the San Antonio Philharmonic for an exhilarating evening conducted by Jeffrey Kahane. Don’t miss this celebration of American composers, featuring two exciting premieres in San Antonio: “Pulse” by Brian Raphael Nabors and “Umoja” by Valerie Coleman. Plus, performances highlighting the brilliance of Florence Price. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17-18, Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
4. Ranky Tanky
Carver season subscribers will remember Ranky Tanky, a jazz ensemble that specializes in a contemporary take on the music of the Gullah culture of South Carolina and Georgia. The band, which played the Jo Long Theatre in 2019, won Grammy Awards for its last two albums, “Good Time” and “Live at the 2022 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.” 8 p.m. Jan. 17, Carver Community Cultural Center
5. Spurs vs. Grizzlies
Celebrate DreamWeek and cheer on the Spurs as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night at Frost Bank Center. Buy special discounted tickets here and gain access to a pre-game courtside experience! 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive
6. Culinaria Restaurant Weeks
Culinaria kicks off its semiannual Restaurant Weeks this weekend, giving locals the chance to try something new or to revisit an old favorite. Enjoy prix fixe brunch, lunch and dinner menus at dozens of restaurants in San Antonio, Boerne, New Braunfels and for the first time, Fredericksburg. Reservations are recommended. Jan. 18-Feb. 1. Various locations
7. Let’s Rodeo Ball
Trace Adkins is the headliner for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s big fundraiser. With songs such as “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “Ladies Love Country Boys,” the towering singer with the booming baritone and black hat has been a force in country music since the late ’90s. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St.
8. PUMPERS Grand Opening Party
Chef Stefan Bowers recently opened the doors of PUMPERS, which began as a popular burger pop-up back in 2020. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to celebrate. Head to the “adult burger shop” this Sunday for build-your-own pumps, a glizzy bar, day drinking, DJ music and more. 1 p.m. Jan. 19, 1101 Broadway
9. MLK March
More than 200,000 people are expected to take part in San Antonio’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. March. A celebration with multicultural performances, food vendors and more will follow at Pittman-Sullivan Park. Read more about King’s legacy in San Antonio here. Lineup begins at 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King Drive; the march ends at the park, 1101 Iowa St.
10. DreamWeek
Inspired by the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., DreamWeek is a citywide calendar of events intended to foster civic and civil engagement. Highlights include an album-release party for spoken-word poet Chibbi; a concert by R&B and funk legend Charlie Wilson; a performance by the Gullah-inspired jazz ensemble Ranky Tanky; and an awards luncheon. Through Jan. 26, various locations

DreamWeek mixer held to raise money for Dream Big Scholarship Fund for minority youth in San Antonio
KENS 5 Reporter Earl Stoudemire explains how the fundraiser benefits everyone involved.

From January 10th to 26th 2025, our city will come together to explore the impact of connections within the community at the DreamWeek San Antonio (DWSA) summit. Now in its 13th year edition, the annual city-wide celebration has grown to become one of the nation’s largest community-curated summit.
With over 200+ events, DreamWeek San Antonio 2025 will feature a diverse array of events, ensuring that there is something for everyone. From thought-provoking discussions and lectures to inspiring artistic performances and cultural exhibitions, the summit will offer a wide range of opportunities for engagement and learning.
The 2025 theme “We Are Neighbor” encapsulates the universal truth of our interconnectedness and shared humanity. Regardless of our differences, we are bound together by the common thread of our existence. By embracing the principles of empathy, solidarity, and mutual support, we can foster a culture of neighborliness that transcends borders and transforms lives. “We Are Neighbor,” emphasizes the importance of building strong, supportive communities through collective action. DWSA seeks to bridge divides and create a sense of belonging for everyone.
Experience DWSA2025
DreamWeek San Antonio is a truly unique and transformative experience. It’s a time to connect with people from all walks of life, to learn from different perspectives, and to be inspired by the power of community. Whether you’re a long-time resident of San Antonio or a visitor from out of town, you’re sure to find something that resonates with you.
Visit dreamweek.org/events to view the full schedule of events and create your DreamList of your favorite events.