Martin Luther King Jr. Events in Central Florida

Orlando, Fla. — There are a host of events being held across Central Florida to commemorate, honor and educate the public about the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ORANGE COUNTY

Thursday, Jan. 12
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, Jan. 13
11:30 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, Jan.14
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, Jan. 16
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 St.

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, Jan. 20
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, Feb. 18
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.

Saturday, Jan. 14
2 p.m. — Historic Town of Eatonville 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2023 "Facing Today, Building Faith for Tomorrow”

Town of Eatonville, Kennedy Boulevard

The parade travels east on Kennedy Boulevard from Keller Road to West Avenue through the heart of the small town. For more details, visit here.

Monday, Jan. 16
2 p.m. — 14th annual Apopka Martin Luther King Jr. Parade "Together, We Can Make a Difference"

City of Apopka

The parade begins at the Apopka Community Center, VFW building located at 519 S. Central Ave., and travels to the John Bridges Community Center on 13th Street.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Saturday, Jan. 14

Noon — 5 pm Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival

Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Festival Lawn 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee

This is the City of Kissimmee's annual celebration honoring his legacy and the ideals of unity, diversity and goodwill. There will be gospel music, stage performances and the new Unity Garden will highlight the continued influence of Dr. King's ideals through original works of art.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Sunday, Jan. 15

9:45 a.m. — MLK March

Daytona Beach, 925 George W. Engram Blvd, Daytona Beach

4 p.m. — The Art of the Possible: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Her Journey

Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Ctr, 698 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach

Monday, Jan. 16

8 a.m. — MLK Prayer Breakfast

Daytona Beach, 925 George W Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach

BREVARD COUNTY

Monday, Jan. 16

1-6 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Enjoy a day of activities and entertainment in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Joseph N. Davis Comunity Center 2547 Grant St. Melbourne For more information call: 321-608-7460.

MARION COUNTY