Mayor Dyer and the Mayor's MLK Commission Announces 2021 Events
Last updated on January 13, 2021
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Announces 2021 Commemoration Events
Local Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events Honor the Life and Legacy of Late Civil Rights Leader
WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. 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 first quarter of 2021.
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 service, equality, justice, freedom, peace and harmony for all races and cultures in Greater Orlando.
Below is a list of this year’s events.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
6:30 p.m. - 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
Virtual Event
This is a virtual interactive moderated event, presented by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, where participants can listen and interact with panelists on the topic of "Voting as a catalyst for change, and how voting can impact change."
The virtual photo booth will allow guests to take photos from their mobile device for the event photo gallery.
Friday, January 15, 2021
11:30 a.m. - 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon
Virtual Event
This virtual celebration, presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, begins with keynote speaker, Calvin Hayes, a U.S Diplomat, Jones High graduate, and Alpha Brother.
Following the keynote, the celebration continues by honoring the students, community leaders, and organizations and will also present the prestigious scholarship Drum Major Award in Scholastic Achievement, Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service, and Business.
The virtual photo booth will allow guests to take photos from their mobile device for the event photo gallery.
Saturday, January 16, 2021
10 a.m. - MLK Parade Showcase
Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Festival
Join the City of Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Southwest Jaycees for an exciting event that will safely feature dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more.
Sunday, January 17, 2021
3 p.m. - Interfaith Service
Virtual Event
Presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. The celebration’s theme is “Love and Power” and will include representation from various faith traditions.
Monday, January 18, 2021
Beginning 6 a.m. and available all day- Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Virtual Prayer Event
Virtual Event
Presented by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees and YMCA of Central Florida, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Virtual Prayer Event will commemorate the legacies of civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member.
Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for nearly three decades, this prayer breakfast traditionally brings together more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida neighbors in faith, prayer and the shared commitment to strengthen the community and improve lives.
Seedlings for Civil Rights
Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Boulevard
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, City of Orlando programs Green Up and Keep Orlando Beautiful will be coordinating efforts to beautify the community along Bruton Boulevard. Volunteers will be removing litter and planting, while Davey Tree will be donating their services to assist with tree maintenance.
All volunteer spots are filled.
12 – 1:30 p.m. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service
Virtual Event - "How to find your passion and support your community" webinar
Sometimes the hardest part about volunteering is knowing where and how to get started. Join Heart of Florida United Way to learn about how to find the best volunteer opportunities suited for each individual. Additionally, participants will learn more about the needs in the community and how local nonprofit agencies are responding to community needs.
7 p.m. - Community of Hope
Virtual Event Broadcast on OrangeTV
Project GRADY-RAYAM - Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation
Eclectic program featuring dramatic presentations by local artists of many genres on the National King Holiday promoting unity and reflecting diversity.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - MLK Dream Series – Session 1: Waking Up to Our Shared Humanity
Virtual Event
In this Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission workshop, facilitated by the Valencia Peace and Justice Institute, facilitators will share the stories of their unique paths of identity development and the powerful changes it brought to their lives.
Thursday, February 4, 2021
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - MLK Dream Series – Session 2: Understanding Bias Workshop
Virtual Event
In this Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission workshop, facilitated by the Valencia Peace and Justice Institute, participants will learn about the emerging science of implicit bias, fundamental attribution error and confirmation bias.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - MLK Dream Series – Session 3: Conversation on Race Program
Virtual Event
In this Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission workshop, facilitated by the Valencia Peace and Justice Institute, participants will discuss the topic of race and how it affects each of their daily lives and consider action steps to help move forward together toward more equitable communities.
Saturday, February 20, 2021
7 p.m. - 6th Annual MLK Gospel Concert and Spiritual Spectacular
Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Festival
The 6th Annual MLK Gospel Concert is produced and directed by Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Jefferey Redding with Dr. Kelly Miller, Mr. Terrance Lane, Ms. Kristen Le and featuring UCF University Singers, UCF Women’s Choir, Orlando Choral Society, Garden Choir, Voci del Cuore, the Aeolians from Oakwood University (video/streaming), Bethune Cookman University, St. Mark AME Choir, Tuskawilla United Methodist Church Choir, and more.
Thursday, March 4, 2021
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - MLK Dream Series – Session 4: Understanding Privilege Session
Virtual Event
In this Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission session, facilitated by the Valencia Peace and Justice Institute, participants will gain an understanding of what is meant by privilege (unearned advantage) and explore multiple areas of privilege, including white privilege.
Thursday, March 18, 2021
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - MLK Dream Series – Session 5: Family Conversations on Race
Virtual Event
Moving beyond shame and blame, this Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission workshop, facilitated by the Valencia Peace and Justice Institute, invites participants to explore methods to discuss racial topics within the family and personal spheres of influence.
Thursday, April 8, 2021
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - MLK Dream Series – Session 6: Moving into Action: Becoming an Ally Workshop
Virtual Event
In this Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission workshop, facilitated by the Valencia Peace and Justice Institute, participants will pull together the knowledge, skills and practices learned over the course of the series and put them into practice.