Parade Ambassadors

DUSHUN SCARBROUGH

Awards and Honors
Nominee, Arkansas State Employee of
the Year (2012, 2014)
2017 Silent Hero Finalist, National
Government Employees Award
2018 Drum Major for Leadership
Award, U.S. Department of Education
Featured in 501 Life Magazine and
Inviting Arkansas
Recognized for promoting Dr. King’s
legacy nationally
Scarbrough’s vision continues to
inspire Arkansans to unite and carry
forward Dr. King’s principles of
nonviolence and equality.

Reared by his grandmother and aunts, DuShun L. Scarbrough, Sr., a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, was taught that with faith and determination, anything is possible. Educated in the Little Rock School District, he began community involvement at fifteen with a youth speak-out conference, “Death of a Race.” Scarborough continued his journey of service by participating in youth seminars and preventive programs.

A graduate of Philander Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Scarborough pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from Webster University, a Master of Counselor Education from Florida A&M University, and a J.D. from Western Michigan University School of Law. He also completed certifications at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and is a Delta Regional Authority Leadership Class of 2013 alumnus. 

As Executive Director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Scarborough is committed to fostering racial harmony, diversity, and social justice. Under his leadership, the Commission has tackled food insecurity, coordinated mass feeding projects, and strengthened community-police relations through initiatives and partnerships with law enforcement. 

Scarbrough spearheaded efforts to heal race relations in Harrison, Arkansas, hosting the first Black history program, a peace march, and a unity concert. He has worked to dismantle stigmas and foster dialogue, including meeting with the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan to promote mutual understanding. 

The Commission has gained national recognition, hosting one of the largest King Day of Service events in the U.S. Scarborough has been personally trained by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family in Kingman principles, earning respect from figures such as Arun Gandhi and Dr. Bernice King. 

Under his leadership, Arkansas introduced its first commemorative license plate honoring Dr. King and celebrated the Commission’s 30th Anniversary, recognized on the U.S. House for by Congressman French Hill and entered into the Congressional Record by Senator John Bosman in 2023. 

Scarbrough‘s achievements include honors such as the 2018 Drum Major for Leadership Award and features in 501 Life Magazine and Inviting Arkansas. Married to Angela Scarborough, he is the proud father of three children: DuShun Jr., Kennedy, and Braxton