Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 2023 Commemoration

Last updated on December 27, 2022

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 2023. 

The Commission is a volunteer organization that includes business and community representatives appointed by Mayor Dyer to raise funds, produce programs and coordinate events that promote the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, justice, freedom, peace, respect and inclusion for all.

Below is a list of this year’s events: 
 
WHEN:
Sunday, January 8, 2023
6 p.m. - MLK Candlelight Vigil and March 
Rotunda, City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue 

The City of Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a candlelight vigil at Orlando City Hall. At the event, participants will be greeted with a brief presentation followed by a march to Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando for the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration. 

6:30 p.m. - Interfaith Multicultural Celebration  
Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando, 604 West Jackson Street 

Following the Candlelight Vigil is the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speaker Bishop Derrick L. McRae, Senior Pastor of The Experience Christian Center and President of the African American Council of Christian Clergy. The celebration’s theme is “The Daybreak of Freedom” and includes representation from various faith traditions. 

Monday, January 9, 2023
2 p.m. - Orlando City Council Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Presentation  
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue 

Mayor Dyer and the City Commissioners will proclaim January 8-16, 2023, as “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Week” in the City of Orlando.

Thursday, January 12, 2023
7 p.m. - 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum  
FAMU College of Law, 201 FAMU Law Lane 

During the Leadership Forum, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, participants will take part in a moderated, interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community to discuss this year’s theme of "Seize The Moment. Take The Opportunity. Dare To Affect Change.” 
Event registration, visit mlkluncheon.org 
 
Friday, January 13, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon  
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway 

This luncheon, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, begins with keynote speaker Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the new interim General Secretary/President of the National Council of Churches. At the event, students, community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their contributions with the prestigious Drum Major Award in areas of Scholastic Achievement, Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service and Business.
Event registration, visit mlkluncheon.org 

Saturday, January 14, 2023
10 a.m. - 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade     
Downtown Orlando, Orange Avenue     

Join the Southwest Orlando Jaycees for an exciting event that will feature dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more. The parade theme is: “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Break the Cycle of Injustice." 
For parade information, contact swojuniorchamber@gmail.com 

Monday, January 16, 2023
7:45 a.m. - Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 32nd Annual Prayer Breakfast  
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway 

Presented by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees and the Central Florida YMCA, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast 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. This year’s guest speaker will be Dr. Barbara Jenkins, retired Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. 

Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for more than 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.  
Event registration, visit https://ymcacf.org/community/y-events/prayerbreakfast/ 

9 a.m. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service  
Lake Lorna Doone Park, 1519 West Church Street 

During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the City of Orlando’s MLK Commission coordinate various volunteer efforts to clean-up areas, provide gardening, landscaping, beautification of homes and more.  
For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteer.orlando.gov 

9 a.m. - Seedlings for Civil Rights   
Gilbert McQueen Park, 650 West Lake Mann Drive 

During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the City of Orlando’s Green Up and Keep Orlando Beautiful programs coordinate efforts to beautify homes in the Lake Mann community by planting trees, mulching, and removing litter in the surrounding park and other areas. Snacks, water and all needed supplies provided for volunteers. Closed toe shoes required. 
For volunteer opportunities, visit orlando.gov/seedlings 
 
Friday, January 20, 2023
7 p.m. – MLK Night at the Orlando Magic 
Amway Center, 400 West Church Street 

The event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans game.  

Saturday, February 18, 2023
7 p.m. - MLK Gospel Concert  
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall, 445 South Magnolia Avenue

The 8th Annual MLK Concert is produced and directed by Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Jeffrey Redding. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. For more events, visit orlando.gov/events/MLK 

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