(ORLANDO, FL) January 17, 2008 -- Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission are proud to announce a variety of events to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Commission is a volunteer organization, which includes business and community representatives appointed by Mayor Dyer to raise funds and coordinate Citywide events that promote the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice, freedom, peace and harmony for all races and cultures in Greater Orlando.

Below is a list of this year’s events. Asterisks denote the events that Mayor Dyer will play a role in this year, and interview and visual opportunities will be available.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
Valencia Community College
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
The forum is a panel discussion focusing on issues of significance to the community and concepts addressed by Dr. King.

Friday, January 18, 2008

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon ***
Orange County Convention Center
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. There is a cost for this event.

7:00 p.m. City of Hope Concert
The Lake Eola Amphitheater
Presented by the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation.
This is a program that promotes a spirit of community with music and other offerings by artists and performers from throughout the city.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

10:00 a.m. 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade***
Downtown Orlando
Presented by Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc.
This is a community parade to honor the legacy and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and bring the message of unity to all people.

2:00 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival
Lake Eola Park
Presented by Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc.

2:00 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade
Downtown Eatonville

7:00 p.m. MLK Opera Concert Birthday Celebration
Mt. Sinai S.D.A. Church, Orlando
2600 Orange Center Blvd.
Orlando, Fl 32805
Presented by Martin Luther King Council/Mt. Sinai S.D.A. Church

Sunday, January 20, 2008

6:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil and March***
Beginning at Orlando City Hall
Presented by Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. Following the vigil, participants will march to First United Methodist Church, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.

6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m Multicultural Celebration***
First United Methodist Church
Presented by Interfaith Council of Central Florida. This event will feature keynote speaker, Alvin White.

Monday, January 21, 2008

7:30 a.m. Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast***
First Baptist Church of Orlando
Presented by YMCA & Southwest Orlando Jaycees. There is a cost for this event.

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Plant Seedlings for Civil Rights***
Richmond Estates
Presented by Green-Up Orlando & City of Orlando Office of Human Relations
Volunteers will plant, mulch and fertilize to spruce up Richmond Estates.

7:00 p.m. Recognition of Humanitarian Award Winners***
Amway Arena
Presented by Orlando Magic. There is a cost for this event. Mayor Dyer will present students from Orange County middle and high schools, who have been selected by school officials to receive this award for exemplifying Dr. King’s ideals.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

4:00 p.m. MLK Art Contest
Education Leadership Center Board Room
Presented by MLK Oration Contest

For more information on events please call City of Orlando Office of Human Relations at (407) 246-2122.