mlk_day_2.jpgFORT LAUDERDALE – On January 20, the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Committee Inc. will host the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Non-Violence March and Parade. The parade will begin at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, 591 NW 31 Ave. (MLK Blvd.), Lauderhill and proceed east on Sistrunk Boulevard and north on 27th Avenue to Dillard High School football field, 2501 NW 11 St., Fort Lauderdale.

Line-up will start at 9:30 a.m. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. The parade will feature local marching bands, drum lines, floats and thousands of marchers from local social, civic, cultural, religious and other organizations. Come with signs, banners, t-shirts promoting good will, service, non-violence and other ideals of Dr. King, organizers say. 

The committee has partnered with other organizations to present “Defending the Dream … Fifty Years Later,” which includes a weekend full of activities to celebrate the life of King. The events are as follows:

Saturday, Jan. 18th

9 a.m. – MLK Day of Service & Celebration, African American Research Library and Cultural Center and Delevoe Park Both located at 2650 NW Sixth Street (Sistrunk Boulevard), Fort Lauderdale.

MLKCC in collaboration with HandsOn Broward will provide service opportunities for every member of the family.  From making sandwiches for the homeless to writing letters to service men and women overseas, there will be unlimited ways to celebrate through service!  The Day of Service will end at noon with a birthday cake and party, celebrating King.

1 p.m. – ‘Change Yourself Before You Can Change Me’ Teen Summit, African American Research Library and Cultural Center

This year’s summit is specifically designed by youth for youth who want to make a difference. Teen-oriented performances, celebrity appearances, youth awards and panel discussions featuring the student organization, The Dream Defenders will be presented.

Sunday, Jan. 19

5 p.m. – ‘Defending the Dream … 50 Years Later,’  Sunrise Civic Center Theater, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise ‘Defending the Dream … 50 Years Later,’ is a gospel concert and variety show presented by the Caribbean Cultural Coalition Inc., in association with the City of Sunrise and MLKCC. Free Admission. Call 954-747-4646 or 954-254-3749 for information.

Monday, Jan. 20

9:30 a.m. – King Holiday Parade and Non-violence March line-up at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, 591 N.W. 31 Ave.
10:30 a.m. – Parade starts at Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and Sistrunk Boulevard
11:30 a.m. – Dillard High School Otis Gray Football Field, 2501 NW 11 St.
King Holiday Battle of the Bands Competition will kick off immediately following the parade.  Join defending champions Deerfield Beach High School in this fierce but friendly competition.

For other information visit www.kingholidaycelebration.com  or e-mail info@kingholidaycelebration.com.