ORLANDO, Fla. — The streets of downtown Orlando came alive Saturday as residents gathered for the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, a celebration honoring the civil rights leader’s enduring legacy.

What You Need To Know

  • Orlando residents gathered for the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on Saturday

  • This year’s event focused on unity and community

  • Omari Jones, an Orlando native and Olympic bronze medalist in boxing, served as this year’s Grand Marshal

This year’s event focused on unity and community, drawing participants and spectators from across Central Florida.

The parade began at the Orlando courthouse and featured a variety of participants, including local school bands, city commissioners, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.

Omari Jones, an Orlando native and Olympic bronze medalist in boxing, served as this year’s Grand Marshal, a role he called a “full-circle moment."

"(The parade is) something that me and my family always came out to," said Jones. "So to be the grand marshal and to have my gym with me and my family with me and it means so much is a full circle moment

For first-time attendee LaShonda Smith, the event was a moving experience.

“This is a tradition that children need to see—to know they are appreciated and that their Black is beautiful,” Smith said.

Jones also highlighted the importance of inspiring younger generations, reflecting on his own journey.

“I was basically in their shoes, not too long ago," said Smith. "I said this was for the kids in Orlando to show them that it's possible"