BY LOUIS C. WARD
LEESBURG – The annual Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Parade kept the legacy of the great civil rights icon alive with astounding portrayals of Martin and Coretta King and more than 60 entries of floats, marching bands, sororities, fraternities, churches, civic organizations, beauty pageant winners, vintage cars, customized trucks, and more Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The parade was the second of a series of events celebrating Dr. King, which are sponsored by Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Commemoration Committee of Leesburg (MLKCC). The theme for 2024 is “Standing United in Times of Change, Challenge and Controversy.”
Dr. Isaac Deas was the Grand Marshal and Bettye Coney was Honorary Marshal, both well-known and accomplished community activists were escorted in high end convertible cars provided by the Sophisticated Gents of Florida.
Stanley and Barbara Fischer, who provided a memorable portrayal of Martin and Coretta King said, “It was an honor to be considered and to be selected to be Dr. King and Coretta. We will be eternally grateful for selecting us.”
Leesburg’s Police Department and Lake County’s Sheriff Department were impressive with their Color Guard, SWAT vehicle, boat and other entries representing law enforcement.
Leesburg High School’s Band displayed their yellow, black, and white uniforms, while Carver Middle School wore red shirts and blouses with black pants. As both bands marched and played music, they received shouts and hand claps from the parade spectators aligned along Main Street in Downtown Leesburg, the parade’s route.
Macedonia Church of the Living God’s well-decorated float highlighted the church’s celebration of 70 years of existence in the Leesburg community. The beauty pageant winners for Miss Leesburg are always cute and well received. Artist Brown’s customized 1982 Ford F150 pick-up with its painting of the Trojans football team from Carver Heights High School was a hit again with the spectators who attended the school in the 1950’s and late 60’s and remember the winning Trojans football team. Auto Pro Repairs, a new entry, was recognized for their trucks, cars, and Reggae music.
“The event was a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and equality in our society,” said Ralph Coleman, MLK Parade Committee Co-Chairman.
Edna Coleman, Co-Chairperson of the MLK Parade Committee, said we greatly appreciate the outstanding efforts put forth by all those who participated, as it was your collective contributions that made the event such a resounding success.
“The MLK Parade was a celebration of joy and pride for the committee. It has proven again that hard work and a community coming together to celebrate the life of Dr. King was phenomenal”, remarked Carolyn Samuel, President of MLKCC.
“I had a great time and it was a very successful parade with more spectators and entries this year,” said Artist Brown, an annual parade participant.
