On a lively Saturday in Orlando, Florida, hundreds gathered in the heart of the city for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade. This event marked the beginning of a series of celebrations throughout Central Florida, all dedicated to commemorating the profound legacy of the civil rights leader.

Among the attendees was Onika Savage, who experienced the parade for the first time alongside her children. She described the occasion as truly memorable, expressing the significance of sharing this moment with her family. “This is the first time for me, it’s a first time for my kids, to come downtown,” Savage noted, underscoring the personal impact of the event.

This year’s parade carried the theme, “Mission Possible 2: Building Community and Uniting a Nation the Non-Violent Way.” A theme that resonated deeply with participants, reflecting the enduring spirit of Dr. King’s teachings. Lawanda Thompson, another attendee, emphasized the timeliness of the message, stating, “The importance of that is, because look at what we’re going through in this country right now. We need unity. We need to be together.”

As the weekend unfolds, the events continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the necessity for unity and peace, echoing Dr. King’s enduring call for non-violence and solidarity in the face of adversity.

“The importance of that is, because look at what we’re going through in this country right now. We need unity. We need to be together,” she said.

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Music, dancers and walkers carrying signs offered different ways to honor Dr. King, whose work for equality helped change the United States and is remembered by a national holiday created 40 years ago.

“Doctor King was all about, you know, pressing things forward so far as seeing a vision and having a dream and seeing it for what? It’s all coming together,” Thompson said.

Another mother, Princess Coleman, said celebrating together mattered for her family.

“It feels amazing and I’m here for it because we need to become one group, OK? We want America,” she said.

Savage said the holiday feels especially important in today’s world.

“It’s important right now more than ever because of what’s going on, not here in America, but what’s going on all over. (…) If we’re to remain unified and not separated, then we got to come together,” she said.

Central Florida MLK Weekend Events

Sunday, Jan. 18

• Unity Heritage Festival — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Winter Park’s Shady Park, celebrating heritage and community togetherness.

Monday, Jan. 19 (MLK Day)

• Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy MLK Prayer Breakfast — 7:45 a.m., First Baptist Church, Orlando, with inspirational speeches and reflection.

• MLK Day of Service — Million Meal Pack — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Orange County Convention Center, volunteers pack meals for families in need.

• Ocoee Unity Parade & Celebration — 10 a.m. parade followed by family-friendly activities.

• Clermont MLK Parade & Celebration — 10 a.m., Waterfront Park, featuring entertainment, games and food.

• Winter Garden MLK Parade & Community Celebration — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Winter Garden.

• Winter Park Unity Heritage Festival — Continues, with performances, children’s activities and community exhibits.

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