Thousands of residents, local politicians, religious organizations, civic groups and activists, turned out on Saturday, downtown Orlando, to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
With most people bundled up in hats, sweatshirts, scarfs and even gloves, the miles-long annual parade, which kicked off at Livingston Street and Orange Avenue around 10:00 a.m., consisted of marching bands, cheerleaders, floats, government officials in cars or on foot, and aspiring politicians, some pedaling along the way.
“It’s certainly important that we remember the life and legacy of Dr. King,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who along with Commissioners – Daisy Lynum (District 5), Sam Ings (District 6), Robert Stuart (District 3) and Tony Ortiz (District 2), traversed the parade route on foot. “He stood for fairness and equality, values that we hold to high standards and ideals here in Orlando, and we want to further that dream.”
Commissioner Patty Sheehan (District 4) was spotted ‘showing off’ her motorcycle riding skills along the parade route.
Lynum, for her part said, the values for which Dr. King stood are just as relevant today, if not more so.
“It’s dangerous out there given the many violations of our civil rights that are currently taking place,” she said. “There are lots of issues, such as restrictive voter ID laws, that are prevalent and relevant today, as over 50 years ago. This is almost a new Jim Crow.”
Three candidates in the crowded Orange County Commission, District 6 race, were seen participating in today’s parade – Derrick Wallace, Virginia Whittington and Homer Hartage.
“We cannot forget what African-Americans went through, and Dr. King’s dream has not yet been fulfilled,” said Wallace, a well-known businessman and three decades-long community builder, who pedaled his way along, while greeting paradegoers. “We still have some ways to go in bringing about equal opportunity for all in areas such as, education, housing and protecting the right to vote.”
“And that’s why my campaign for Orange County Commissioner – District 6, is focused on issues like jobs, affordable housing and expanding education opportunities,” he added.
Several organizations fighting for the values for which Dr. King gave his life, also participated in today’s parade. These included, Our Walmart, Central Florida Jobs with Justice, YAYA – Justice for Farm Workers, and Fight Back Coalition, a group calling for a halt to gentrification and its destructive impacts on Parramore, Orlando’s oldest African-American community.
Eva Augustia, an African-American paradegoer said, she always brings her kids to the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, to remind them of his work and legacy. “I don’t know where we would be today, were it not for leaders like Dr. King, Rosa Parks and others.”
“We still got work to do…there’s still prejudice,” said Eric McCrimmon, another paradegoer. “Some people have changed, others not, but we still have to keep going and we have to endure. Perhaps it’s with the next generation King’s dream will be fulfilled, but his dream will come true before it’s all over – Amen.”
Among the many organizations and groups taking part in today’s parade were: Orange County government, City of Orlando, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Universal – African-American Network, Jones High School, Ocoee High School, Boys Scouts of America, Orange County Democratic Party, Orange County Tax Collector, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, City of Orlando After School All-Stars and Orange County History Center.
