EATONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds gathered in Eatonville on Saturday for the 46th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

“I like learning about Martin Luther King Jr.,” said 9-year-old Kaylin who attended the parade with her family.

She was one of the many young attendees at the annual event and said this was an opportunity to learn more about history and the important historical figure Dr. King.

Former Eatonville residents Carolyn White and her daughter Christina White as well as Christina’s 7-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son attended the parade. The family explained celebrating Dr. King in Eatonville is extra special because of the historical importance of the city.

“It just gives you that unique feeling that you are taking part in two historic events that brought a lot of liberation to African-Americans,” added Carolyn.

Eatonville was the first incorporated all-black city in the nation. Christina said she wouldn’t attend any other parade. She thinks this is a great learning opportunity for her young children.

“At their ages they are actually absorbing so much and this is a critical time for them and their learning,” added Christina. “To teach them who they are and where they come from and how the milestones of our history has come. I feel like it gives them that self positive imag

Carolyn explained attending the parade with her grandchildren for the first time was special and she hopes they take away important lessons.

“To be proud of who they are, be proud of their heritage, their lineage, their history and to use that to excel in their lives in the future,” said Carolyn.

Christina said she has seen the growth of unity within the community from when she was little.