Each year, on the third Monday in January, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, is honored for his commitment to racial and economic justice. Dr. King, who would have turned 85 this year, was lauded for his nonviolent approach to civil disobedience.
The city of Orlando commemorates the legacy of Dr. King by promoting a series of events.
Below is a list of this year’s events. Asterisks (***) denote the events that Mayor Buddy Dyer will play a role in this year.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
6:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil and March
Beginning at Orlando City Hall
Presented by Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. This event is free.
Following the vigil, participants will march to First United Methodist Church of Orlando.
6:30 p.m. Interfaith Multicultural Celebration
First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 East Jackson Street
Presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. This event is free.
This event will feature speakers from various faiths reflecting on Dr. King’s life and legacy.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
6:00 p.m. 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
Florida A & M University College of Law, 201 Beggs Avenue
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and FAMU Black Law Student Association. This event is free.
The forum is a panel discussion focusing on issues of significance to the community and concepts addressed by Dr. King. This year’s theme is “Education, Economics and Politics.”
Friday, January 17, 2014
11:30 a.m. 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon***
Ballroom at Church Street, 225 South Garland Avenue
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. There is a cost for this event.
7:00 p.m. Recognition of Youth Humanitarian Award Winners***
Amway Center, 400 West Church Street
Presented by the Orlando Magic. There is a cost for this event.
Selected students from Orange County middle and high schools will receive the Youth Humanitarian award for exemplifying Dr. King’s ideals.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
10:00 a.m. 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade***
Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando
Presented by Southwest Orlando Jaycees. This event is free.
This is a community parade to honor the legacy and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and bring the message of unity to all people.
1:00 p.m. “The SOUND!” Praise Team Showcase and Competition
Lake Eola Amphitheater
Presented by Southwest Orlando Jaycees. This event is free.
This musical showcase will feature Central Florida churches, residents and communities as they perform and compete before a panel of local celebrity judges to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 20, 2014
7:30 a.m. 23nd Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast
First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway
Presented by YMCA of Central Florida & Southwest Orlando Jaycees. There is a cost for this event.
9:00 a.m. Plant Seedlings for Civil Rights
Clear Lake Park, 2301 29th Street
Presented by the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, Green-Up Orlando, Keep Orlando Beautiful & Green Works Orlando. This event is free.
Volunteers will work in an effort to clean up and spruce up the Clear Lake Park neighborhood. Work will consist mostly of debris and litter removal along the roadside and medians.
9:00 a.m. Parramore Community Volunteer Day
Florida A & M University College of Law, 201 Beggs Avenue
Presented by FAMU Law School. This event is free.
FAMU students and other volunteers will work on projects benefitting residents of the Parramore Community.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
9:30 a.m. Messages on the Wall
Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Drive
Presented by Bridge To Independence Private School.
Bridge To Independence students will interpret the 14 quotations inscribed on the MLK National Monument in Washington, DC.
