ORLANDO, Fla. – Hundreds gathered in downtown Orlando on Saturday for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade, kicking off a weekend of celebrations across Central Florida honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Onika Savage, attending the parade in Orlando for the first time with her kids, described the experience as memorable.
“This is the first time for me, it’s a first time for my kids, to come downtown,” Savage said.
This year’s theme — Mission Possible 2: Building Community and Uniting a Nation the Non-Violent Way — reflected the spirit of the weekend’s events. The theme resonated with Lawanda Thompson, who said the celebration was needed now more than ever.
“The importance of that is, because look at what we’re going through in this country right now. We need unity. We need to be together,” she said.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Music, dancers and walkers carrying signs offered different ways to honor Dr. King, whose work for equality helped change the United States and is remembered by a national holiday created 40 years ago.
“Doctor King was all about, you know, pressing things forward so far as seeing a vision and having a dream and seeing it for what? It’s all coming together,” Thompson said.
Another mother, Princess Coleman, said celebrating together mattered for her family.
“It feels amazing and I’m here for it because we need to become one group, OK? We want America,” she said.
Savage said the holiday feels especially important in today’s world.
“It’s important right now more than ever because of what’s going on, not here in America, but what’s going on all over. (…) If we’re to remain unified and not separated, then we got to come together,” she said.
Central Florida MLK Weekend Events
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Unity Heritage Festival — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Winter Park’s Shady Park, celebrating heritage and community togetherness.
Monday, Jan. 19 (MLK Day)
- Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy MLK Prayer Breakfast — 7:45 a.m., First Baptist Church, Orlando, with inspirational speeches and reflection.
- MLK Day of Service — Million Meal Pack — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Orange County Convention Center, volunteers pack meals for families in need.
- Ocoee Unity Parade & Celebration — 10 a.m. parade followed by family-friendly activities.
- Clermont MLK Parade & Celebration — 10 a.m., Waterfront Park, featuring entertainment, games and food.
- Winter Garden MLK Parade & Community Celebration — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Winter Garden.
- Winter Park Unity Heritage Festival — Continues, with performances, children’s activities and community exhibits.
[MORE ORLANDO: ICE tours Orlando warehouse as possible detainment center]