Local Events Honor the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Last updated on January 10, 2020
WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission are proud to announce a variety of events to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the month of January.
The Commission is a volunteer organization including business and community representatives appointed by Mayor Dyer to raise funds and coordinate events that promote the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice, freedom, peace and harmony for all races and cultures in Greater Orlando. Below is a list of this year’s events.
Asterisks (***) denote the events that Mayor Dyer will play a role in this year, and interview and visual opportunities will be available.
WHEN:
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Candlelight Vigil and March***
6 p.m.
Rotunda, Orlando City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue
Join the City of Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission for a candlelight vigil at City Hall. The event will begin at City Hall for a brief presentation. Guests will then march to Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando for the Interfaith Service.
Interfaith Multicultural Celebration***
6:30 p.m.
Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando, 604 Jackson Street
Presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. The celebration’s theme will be “Dare to Love” and the event speaker will be Father Rudolph Cleare, founder of the "Negro Spiritual" Scholarship Foundation.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
16th Annual MLK Leadership Forum
6:30 p.m.
Florida A&M University College of Law, 201 Beggs Avenue
Presented by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The event theme is “A conversation and dialogue: is Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream still alive?" The conversation will focus on the wealth gap, business development, affordable housing and educational opportunities.
Friday, January 17, 2020
34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon***
11:30 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Orlando – Faith Hall, 3000 South John Young Parkway
This celebration and lunch is presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and will feature Harold Mills of VMD Ventures as the event speaker. Drum Major Awards for scholarship, civic affairs, social justice, community service and business. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Program begins at 11:30 a.m. There is a cost for this event.
2020 City of Hope
7 p.m.
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Institutional Church, 535 West Washington Street
A performance of local cultural arts promoting unity and reflecting diversity. Funds raised from this event will go to Project GRADY-RAYAM and the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade***
10 a.m. (parade starts)
Orange Avenue Downtown Orlando
The theme for this year’s parade is “King 2020, The Beloved Community: The Fierce Urgency of Now.” 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.
MLK South Street Jazz and Blues Cookout
11 a.m.
Palmer Feed Store, 912 West Church Street
A day of family fun, entertainment, live music and food to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
5th Annual MLK Concert: A Gospel Concert Celebration, featuring The Aeolians of Oakwood University
7 p.m.
First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E. Jackson Street
Presented by the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and featuring The Aeolians of Oakwood University. The concert celebrates 34 years of the King Holiday in songs and performances. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to stock community pantries.
Monday, January 20, 2020
30th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast***
7:45 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Orlando – Faith Hall, 3000 South John Young Parkway
Presented by the YMCA of Central Florida and the Southwest Orlando Jaycees. The annual breakfast will feature Admiral David Brewer as the event speaker. There is a cost for this event.
City of Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Great Day of Service***
8:30 a.m.
Callahan Neighborhood Center, 101 North Parramore Avenue
Volunteers will work on projects to benefit City of Orlando residents. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to stock community pantries.
Parramore Clean-Up Service Project/Great Day of Service
8:30 a.m.
Florida A&M University College of Law, 201 Beggs Avenue
Volunteers will work on projects to benefit residents of Parramore. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to stock community pantries.
Seedlings for Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
9 a.m.
Rock Lake Elementary School, 408 North Tampa Avenue
Presented by the City of Orlando Green-Up Orlando and Keep Orlando Beautiful. Residents are invited to help green up Rock Lake Elementary School by planting and sprucing up the school, neighborhood center and Tampa Avenue.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Orlando Magic Game
7 p.m.
Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Amway Center, 400 West Church Street
Youth Humanitarian award winners will be recognized during half time at the Orlando Magic vs. OKC Thunder game. The award winners are Orange County middle and high students selected by school officials for exemplifying the ideals embraced by Dr. King, Jr. There is a cost for this event.
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