Owen Wilson Family Honors MLK Legacy Through Service

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that greatness is not measured by position or power, but by service to others. In 2026, communities across America continue to find inspiration in that message, breathing life into his vision through acts both grand and humble. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northern Kentucky, where the Owen-Wilson family’s century-long commitment to community service stands as a living testament to Dr. King’s enduring legacy. Their story, woven together with the broader tapestry of nationwide celebrations, offers a poignant reminder that the dream Dr. King spoke of is not just a matter of history, but of daily action and shared responsibility.

On January 15, 2026, people gathered at the Lincoln Recreation Center in College Station, Texas, for the 42nd annual “Keeping the Dream Alive” musical celebration, as reported by KBTX. The free event brought together artists from Bryan and College Station, as well as children, to honor Dr. King’s life and teachings. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible II: Re-Building Communities Together,” underscored the power of collective effort in achieving meaningful change. The atmosphere was one of hope, unity, and shared purpose, echoing Dr. King’s call for communities to join hands and work toward a better future.

While the College Station event looked to music and fellowship to celebrate Dr. King, the Owen-Wilson family in Northern Kentucky has spent more than a hundred combined years turning his words into concrete action. According to the NKyTribune, their legacy of service is rooted in faith, education, volunteerism, and public leadership. Through initiatives like feeding more than 500 families each month—thanks to partnerships with the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank and local farmers—the family ensures that neighbors in need do not go hungry. Their commitment doesn’t stop at food security: the Serena Owen Service Scholarship supports local students, while Back-to-School Blessings events help children start the academic year with confidence and supplies.

“For us, service is our calling in life,” said Serena Owen, a community leader and former elected official, in an interview with the NKyTribune. “I was taught, if you see a need, you step up and help. That’s how stronger, healthier communities are created and sustained.” That ethos has guided the Owen-Wilson family for generations, shaping not only their own lives but the fabric of the communities they serve.

The family’s impact is not limited to charity work. They have also broken barriers in local government and public service. Renee Wilson blazed a trail as the first person of color elected to the Erlanger City Council. Serena Owen followed suit, becoming the first woman of color elected to both the Erlanger-Elsmere School Board and the Elsmere City Council. Larry Owen, a U.S. Marine Veteran and retired teacher, made history as the first African American to serve on the Kenton County Soil and Water Conservation District Board. Each of these milestones represents a step forward for representation and inclusion in Northern Kentucky, and each was achieved through consistent, community-centered action.

“Public service is about consistency and serving with compassion,” Larry Owen told the NKyTribune. “It’s not about recognition. It’s about responsibility.” That sense of responsibility has led the family to advocate for practical solutions to everyday challenges—like helping secure a TANK bus pilot program to improve transportation access for students, workers, and seniors. Their efforts have made daily life easier for countless residents, demonstrating that service can be both visionary and pragmatic.

Recognition has followed, though it was never the goal. Since 2000, the Owen Family Outstanding Service Awards and Community Heroes recognition events have honored more than 200 individuals and organizations throughout the region. By celebrating everyday leadership and encouraging volunteerism, the family has inspired others to take up the mantle of service. Their annual Local Business Expo uplifts entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and opportunity at the grassroots level.

The family’s commitment to education continues to evolve. Both Serena Owen and Renee Wilson have returned to Northern Kentucky University to pursue legal studies, aiming to strengthen their advocacy for the community through education and policy. Their journey reflects a belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit—and that legal expertise can be a powerful tool for justice and positive change.

Studies consistently show that volunteering is associated with better mental health, increased life satisfaction, and stronger employment outcomes. The NKyTribune cites a national survey from the Corporation for National and Community Service (2007), which found that 76% of volunteers reported feeling healthier, and 94% said volunteering improved their mood and outlook on life. Communities with strong volunteer networks are more resilient, able to weather challenges and support their most vulnerable members.

“Service strengthens not just neighborhoods, but people,” said Renee Wilson, emphasizing the transformative power of giving back. “When individuals feel seen and supported, communities thrive.” That simple truth lies at the heart of the Owen-Wilson family’s work—and at the heart of Dr. King’s message.

The family’s extraordinary contributions have not gone unnoticed at the state level. They were commissioned as Kentucky Colonels by Governor Andy Beshear and recognized as Commonwealth Ambassadors by Secretary of State Michael Adams, honors that reflect their more than 100 years of combined community service. These accolades, while deeply meaningful, are seen by the family as affirmations of a lifelong commitment rather than endpoints.

Meanwhile, the annual “Keeping the Dream Alive” celebration in College Station, Texas, offered a different but equally moving tribute. The event’s focus on music and togetherness served as a reminder that Dr. King’s dream is kept alive not only through policy and public service but also through culture, art, and the simple act of gathering as a community. The 2026 theme, “Mission Possible II: Re-Building Communities Together,” captured the spirit of the evening and the broader movement: meaningful change is possible when people work side by side, united by a common purpose.

Reflecting on Dr. King’s enduring question, “What are you doing for others?”, the Owen-Wilson family’s example—and the celebrations in places like College Station—challenge all Americans to step up, serve, and invest in one another. Their stories remind us that the dream is not a destination, but a journey, renewed each day through acts of kindness, courage, and solidarity. As the nation honors Dr. King in 2026, it is clear that his vision lives on in the hearts and hands of those who choose service over self, and hope over despair.