Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Things to do for the holiday weekend in Orlando

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·4 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 16, and the national holiday brings a time to remember the legacy of America’s famous civil rights leader and give back to the community.

Nearly six decades have passed since Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., and more than 54 years since the activist was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Still, the work he started remains more vital than ever to this day.

Around Central Florida, performing groups, community leaders and volunteers will bring the public together for concerts, prayer, discussions and more throughout the holiday weekend. Here are a few offerings.

  • The MLK Commemorative Luncheon presented by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is back for its 37th annual event with keynote speaker Bishop Vashti Muphy McKenzie. The event at First Baptist Orlando will honor students, community leaders and others with awards and scholarships. The luncheon is sold out online but some tickets may still be available. More information: 11 a.m. Jan. 13 at 3000 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando; mlkluncheon.org

  • Kissimmee’s 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration features live music from gospel, R&B and soul artists, plus food trucks, craft vendors, art and free activities for the whole family at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. More information: Noon-5 p.m. Jan. 14 at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee; eventeny.com

  • The City of Orlando’s 39th Annual MLK Parade provides a community celebration with the theme, “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Break the Cycle of Injustice.” Event organizers anticipate thousands of spectators to see drumlines, dancing, community organizations and more. The route begins at the Orange County Courthouse and goes to Lake Eola Park. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 14 in downtown Orlando; orlando.gov or eventbrite.com

  • Sanford’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Steering Committee will host several events throughout the holiday weekend. At 6 p.m. Jan. 14, a commemorative banquet provides a speech from WKMG-Channel 6 news anchor Ginger Gadsden; tickets show sold out online. Beginning at 3 p.m. Jan. 15, Pastor Sharon Y. Riley will host an interfaith service at the St. James House of Prayer. The community can enjoy the annual MLK Parade at 10 a.m. Jan. 16 on Historic Goldsboro Avenue with vehicles, bands, singing groups and more. At Ft. Mellon Park at 2:30 p.m., performers will showcase their abilities in a “Sanford’s Got Talent” competition during a festival in the park. More information: mlksanford.org

  • The 2023 Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast will commemorate the legacies of King and Orlando’s first African-American city council member. This annual tradition has been hosted for more than three decades and brings together more than 100 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida community members at First Baptist Church Orlando. More information: 7:45 a.m. Jan. 16 at 3000 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando; orlando.gov

  • The City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Great Day of Service brings together volunteers to support Orlando’s Green Up and Keep Orlando Beautiful programs on Jan. 16. The service opportunities aim to beautify the City Beautiful at Lake Lorna Doone Park and assist the food pantry at the Christian Service Center. Volunteers must sign up in advance. To learn more, email Bailey Clark (bailey.clark@orlando.gov) or visit orlando.gov.

  • The Oviedo Citizens in Action Parade features businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, bands and more coming together for a community celebration. The route goes from Oviedo High school to Round Lake Park. A family fun day in the park will follow with entertainment, food, vendors and kids activities. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 16 at 601 King St. in Oviedo; cityofoviedo.net

  • The City of Ocoee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade brings the community together for a morning of fun followed by a celebration inside the West Oaks Mall where WFTV-Channel 9 anchor Daralene Jones will give a keynote address. The parade route begins at Citrus Elementary School and ends at the mall. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 16 at 87 N. Clarke Road in Ocoee; ocoee.org

  • The 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Apopka highlights the theme, “Together, We Can Make a Difference.” The route begins at 519 S. Central Avenue and ends at the John H. Bridges Community Center. More information: 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at 519 S. Central Ave. in Apopka; orlando.gov

Find me on Twitter @PConnPie, Instagram @PConnPie or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.