BY LOUIS C. WARD
LEESBURG – As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee of Leesburg (MLKCC) has done for more than 15 years, it will again celebrate the legacy of our great civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a series of events and activities beginning in January and running through April 2024.
MLKCC, started more than 20 years ago, is a non-profit organization of members dedicated to keeping the vision and legacy of Dr. King alive in the Lake County Community of Florida through the production of events, activities, and programs not only for Dr. King’s birthday but throughout the year.
Carolyn Samuel, President of MLKCC, said the annual programs and activities planned by MLKCC are developed to help citizens keep the memory of the man who changed the meaning of relationships and comradery among all people, no matter of the color of their skin or their race.
The annual Dr. King CommUnity Breakfast will be held Friday, January 12, 2024 at 7:30 am. at Venetian Center, One Dozier Circle, Leesburg, Florida.
We encourage individuals to attend the first of our series of events that includes a presentation of our Colors, a keynote speaker, recognition of community leaders, entertainment, and a hot, full breakfast. Participants are asked to make a donation to help defer expenses for producing the program.
The enlightening MLK Parade follows the Dr. King CommUnity Breakfast with a host of beautiful and colorful designed floats, local school bands, community leaders, public officials and agencies, churches, community organizations and residents. The parade is Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11 am. The parade route starts on Downtown Main and 12th Streets and then proceeds to Main and Canal Streets with a right turn to Magnolia and 5th Street where the parade will terminate.
Community groups, businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in marching in the parade should call 352-552-7540, or 352-360-8501 asap, as the deadline date for entries is approaching. There is no entry fee to participate.
The MLKCC Ecumenical Service Committee is working outside the box for 2024. It will sponsor a Bethune Cookman University Concert Chorale evening of quality performances of classical, gospel, and jazz music by African American composers on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 4 pm at Morrison United Methodist Church located at 1005 W. Main Street, Leesburg, Florida. Tickets are $20.00.
“We look forward to an exciting and memorable evening of exceptional vocal entertainment by the well-known Bethune Cookman University Concert Chorale,” said Pastor David Stauffer, of the MLKCC Ecumenical Service Committee.
The Dare 2 Care’s Dr. King Health Awareness Brunch is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10 am. at Rogers Park, 610 S. 9th Street, Leesburg, Florida. Program participants will increase their health knowledge and awareness through the program which focuses on health issues such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, eating healthy, and more.
“We are proud to reveal the many facets of the man and his contributions to our society by keeping his name and his love for mankind alive with our annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” concluded Mrs. Samuel.
