Yesterday, world leaders from over 100 counties descended on South Africa to honor the life and legacy of global civil rights icon, former South African President Nelson Mandela, who passed away at the age of 95.
The Florida Civil Rights Association, Caribbean Chambers of Commerce and other community partners are planning to turn Downtown Kissimmee into a “Mini-United Nations” for the first annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade and Cultural Festival on Monday, January 20, 2014, said J. Willie David, III, President of the Florida Civil Rights Association, one of the event organizers. We want the international community to join Central Florida residents as we pay special tribute to both civil rights icons, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela, David said.
We are sending out special invitations to foreign diplomats (Consuls, Ambassadors, Ministers, Prime Ministers and Presidents) abroad as well as the United States to participate in the City of Kissimmee first ever MLK holiday parade, (honoring Dr. King’s national holiday), explained David. South African diplomats and African nationals in the United States, especially in Florida are high on my invite list, stated David. The Kissimmee-Osceola County is a culturally diverse community and a great location for this historic celebration.
“Dr. King and President Mandela were champions for peace, human equality and freedom,” said David. “These civil rights icons inspired world leaders of the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation and respect for all people, David added. As a civil rights activist for over ten years, I have treasured the lessons from both MLK and Mandela’s life and their desire to make the United States and South Africa better nations for people of color,” David said. “Without a doubt they are among the greatest human beings in the history of humanity,” David expressed. Now, it’s our time to carry the torch of peace, equality and freedom for the next generation, stated David.
The Florida Civil Rights Association is accepting applications for the MLK Parade. The MLK event is a great opportunity for sponsors (businesses and media) and vendors (merchandise, food, and information) to support. Applications can be downloaded through the Florida Civil Rights Association’s website: www.fcranews.com/event.html Parade Entry Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, 2014. In addition to the parade, the parade committee will also host a cultural heritage festival at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, on the same day. We expect thousands to attend, and the admission to the festival is FREE! For more information, please contact FCRA State Office at [email protected] or (407) 272-9254.
