STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State’s Dr. Alex del Carmen will join Nobel Prize nominee and “Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee on Friday, June 16, to rededicate a plaque commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s only visit to Fort Worth in 1959.

The rededication is part of Juneteenth on Main Street presented by the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas.

Unveiled in 2019, the MLK marker highlights the Heritage Trails Walking Tour — a collection of 27 bronze plaques depicting Fort Worth history. Friday’s celebration, “Project the Positivity,” takes place at noon at General Worth Square, 900 Main St.

“I am extremely honored to join Dr. Lee for this momentous occasion,” said Dr. del Carmen. “Like Dr. King, she has done so much in the name of civil rights. She has created a remarkable legacy — her dedication and leadership are inspiring.”

Dr. del Carmen, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and recently named McKenzie Endowed Professor, leads the Tarleton School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He has more than 25 years of experience working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, with emphasis on racial profiling and civil rights.

Dr. Lee is best known for her years-long effort to gain national recognition of Juneteenth. At age 89 she conducted a symbolic walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., collecting more than 1.6 million signatures for a petition supporting the federal holiday, a bill that was signed into effect in 2021. At 96 she was nominated as a Peace Prize recipient.

Last fall Tarleton signed a historic agreement with Dr. Lee, whereby the university and Opal’s Farm will share resources to address education and second chances, particularly for the previously incarcerated.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.