Contact: Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Laura Bornfreund (407) 246-3423
Shirley James (407) 246-2122

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED RELEASE - PLEASE SEE THE VISIT THE WEBPAGE FOR INFORMATION.

CITY OF ORLANDO MAYOR’S MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 2006 CELEBRATION EVENTS

Events Honor the Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Leader

(ORLANDO, FL) January 6, 2006 -- Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission are proud to announce a variety of events Jan. 12, 2006 through Jan. 19, 2006 to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Commission is a volunteer organization, which includes business and community representatives appointed by the Mayor 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 12, 2006
10:00 a.m. 5th Annual Elder Speaks Program
Beardall Senior Center
800 Delaney Ave.
Presented by the International House of Blues Foundation.
Senior citizens will share their personal thoughts and experiences related to the civil rights movement with middle school students.

6:00 p.m. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Forum
Orlando City Hall
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 13, 2006
11:30 a.m. 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Luncheon***
Rosen Plaza
9700 International Dr.
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. There is a cost for this event.
Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, former Florida A&M University President, will be the keynote speaker.

Saturday, January 14, 2006
10:00 a.m. 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade***
Downtown Orlando
Presented by Southwest 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 Southwest Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc.

Sunday, January 15, 2006
6:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil and March and Multicultural Celebration***
Beginning at Orlando City Hall
Presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida.
Following the vigil, participants will march to First Presbyterian where representatives from various faiths will brief speak about their faith.

Monday, January 16, 2006
7:30 a.m. Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast***
First Baptist Church of Orlando
3000 S. John Young Pkwy.
Presented by the YMCA & Southwest Jaycees. There is a cost for this event.

9:00 a.m. Plant Seedlings for Civil Rights
Reeves Terrace
300 Reeves Ct
Presented by City of Orlando Office of Human Relations and Green-Up Orlando.
Volunteers will replant, mulch and fertilize to spruce up the Reeves Terrace community.

11:30 a.m. MLK M-Powerment Luncheon***
Ballroom at Church Street
225 South Garland Ave.
Presented by the African American Chamber of Commerce. There is a cost for this event.
The theme for the luncheon is: The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution: Civil Rights to Economic Freedom with Tribute to Rosa Parks.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
7:00 p.m. Recognition of Humanitarian Award Winners***
TD Waterhouse Centre
Presented by the Orlando Magic. There is a cost for this event.
Mayor Dyer will present 49 students from local middle and high schools, selected by school officials, this award for exemplifying Dr. King’s ideals

Thursday, January 19, 2006
5:30 p.m. Children of Dream and P.A.S.T. Reception
Wells’ Built Museum
511 W. South St.
Presented by The Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition (P.A.S.T)
An exhibit highlighting the role of African-Americans, Jewish-Americans and others in the Central Florida community who worked together to make Dr. King’s dream a reality.


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

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