The MLK Community Center’s History
The MLK Community Center was originally incorporated in 1922 as the Newport Community Center and was renamed in honor of Dr. King in June 1968 to commemorate his death. The founders were a group of Trustees of the Newport Historical Society. The Historical Society had just been left the Great Friends Meeting House on the corner of Marlborough and Farewell Streets and was looking for a way to breathe new life into the old building, while honoring the legacy of its founders.
From its 1922 opening, the Center immediately became a gathering place for people of all cultures and communities. Its board, staff, and clients were from every background and every neighborhood in town. In 1968, the Newport Community Center moved into the former Navy USO building in Newport’s Washington Square neighborhood and was renamed in honor of Dr. King.
During its history, the organization has carried on the work of creating opportunities – educational, social, and recreational – for people of all ages and cultures. In some ways, the Center is Newport’s original grass roots organization – started by neighbors, for neighbors.
