Our Roots: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month

MONTGOMERY, AL - MARCH 25: Dr Martin Luther King Jr speaking before crowd of 25,000 Selma To Montgomery, Alabama civil rights marchers, in front of Montgomery, Alabama state capital building. On March 25, 1965 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Stephen F. Somerstein/Getty Images) (Stephen F. Somerstein, Somerstein 1965)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Happy 2024! I hope you and your loved ones had a fantastic holiday and are ready to take 2024 by storm. We’re starting off our year celebrating the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement.

This year, Orlando recognized the 33rd annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker Val Demings. Hundreds gathered to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Arthur Kennedy, Orlando’s first elected Black official. Read about the breakfast here!

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Rollins College also celebrated King Jr.’s legacy, hosting several events as part of their “Power of Endurance” week. The school’s Student Center for Inclusion and Belonging hosted the event, and the dean stressed the importance of exposing young people to King Jr.’s legacy. Read about the event here.

In Orange County, thousands turned out for a Martin Luther King Day of service, helping pack one million meals at the Orange County Convention Center. Watch reporter Brian Didlake showcase the event here!

You can call 1-888-664-9564 or fill out this form if you have any thoughts or stories about Martin Luther King Jr. for a chance to be featured in our Black History Month coverage! Tune in tomorrow to watch our kickoff to Black History Month 🎉

If you have any other questions, comments, or story ideas for Black History Month, give us a call at 407-521-1323 or email me at bellis@wkmg.com


About the Author

Brianna Ellis joined News 6 in September.

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