City releases information on MLK parade, downplays joint FSU, FAMU celebration aspect

Arianna Otero, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read
Parade goers watch local groups participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Tallahassee, Fla. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

The city of Tallahassee has released more information on the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. parade as plans evolve into a more general celebration rather than one highlighting Florida A&M and Florida State University athletics' exploits.

The theme of next year's MLK celebration, set for Jan. 15, is "A Celebration of Community Champions."

"This year's theme ... is reflective of Dr. King's vision of unity and the community's desire to acknowledge and honor those who champion positive change," city staff wrote on the TalGov website.

"Adding to the current energy and excitement across the city, all community champions are invited to participate in this inclusive event that is part of Tallahassee's bicentennial year of celebrations."

Earlier this month, in the days after both FSU and FAMU cliched division titles, City Commissioners Dianne Williams-Cox, Curtis Richardson and Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor announced the MLK parade would also be coupled with a joint celebration of the athletic achievements to come out of FSU and FAMU.

At the press conference, they shared that there will be a joint celebration for the city's championship teams, including the Florida A&M and FSU football teams, which clinched division championships on the same day, and the Seminole women's soccer team, which is fresh off of winning its fourth national title. The FSU women's volleyball team was also named ACC co-champions after a dominant season.

Debate followed and gained steam after FAMU would go on to win the national HBCU title. While some Facebook users expressed how they are not against a joint celebration, others called for a "boycott" and said "we must not diminish what we have accomplished to pacify FSU." Others objected that combining a celebration for athletes with the annual Martin Luther King Day parade was disrespectful to King's legacy.

The information recently posted to the city's website takes a more general tact and doesn't include any information about the universities' athletic wins.

The post does say that following the parade there will be a celebration held at Cascades Park featuring guest speakers, performances and live entertainment.

The city is accepting applications for participants and vendors for the MLK parade and celebration at the city's website. Applications close Jan. 9, 2024.

Arianna Otero is the City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com or on Twitter/X: @ari_v_otero.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Local MLK parade to be a 'celebration of community champions'