FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Heather Allebaugh 407.246.3423
              Cassandra Lafser 407.246.2182

CITY OF ORLANDO MAYOR'S MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 2010 COMMEMORATION EVENTS
Events Honor the Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Leader 

(ORLANDO, FL) January 12, 2010 -- 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.

Friday, January 15, 2010

11:45 a.m. 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon***
SeaWorld Ports of Call
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. There is a cost for this event.
This event will feature keynote speaker, Brother Herman Skip Mason, 33th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

7:00 p.m. City of Hope Concert
The Villas at Hampton Park (Orlando Housing Authority Training Facility)
325 North Hillside Avenue
Orlando, FL 32803
Presented by the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation. This event is free.
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 16, 2010

10:00 a.m. 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade***
Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando
Presented by Southwest Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc. This event is free.
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.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

6:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil and March
Beginning at Orlando City Hall
Presented by Mayor's Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. This event is free.
Following the vigil, participants will march to Shiloh Baptist Church, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.

6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Multicultural Celebration
Shiloh Baptist Church, Orlando
Presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. This event is free.
This event will feature speakers from various faiths reflecting on Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Monday, January 18, 2010

7:45 a.m. 19th Annual Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy Prayer Breakfast***
First Baptist Church of Orlando
3000 S. John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL 32805
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
Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex
649 W. Livingston Street
Orlando, FL 32805
Presented by FAMU Law School, Green-Up Orlando, Keep Orlando Beautiful, OPD Neighborhood Watch Unit and the City of Orlando Office of Community Affairs/Human Relations. This event is free.
Volunteers will plant, mulch and fertilize to spruce up the Parramore Community.
For more information or to volunteer, please call City of Orlando Office of Community Affairs at (407) 246-2500 or visit www.cityoforlando.net.