FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Heather Allebaugh (407) 246-3423

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 2007 CELEBRATION EVENTS

Events Honor the Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Leader

(ORLANDO, FL) January 9, 2007 -- Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission are proud to announce a variety of events January 11, 2007 through January 19, 2007 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 11, 2007
11:00 a.m. 6th 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
New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando
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 12, 2007
11:30 a.m. 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Luncheon***
Orlando Marriott Downtown
Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. There is a cost for this event.
Dr. Charles C. Teamer, Chairman, Dryades Savings Bank, New Orleans, LA is the keynote speaker.
7:00 p.m. City of Hope Concert
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 13, 2007
10:00 a.m. 23rd 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 14, 2007
6:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil and March and Multicultural Celebration***
Beginning at Orlando City Hall
Presented by the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Interfaith Council of Central Florida.
Following the vigil, participants will march to First Presbyterian Church, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Rev. William Gaffney, Washington Shores Presbyterian Church is speaker.

Monday, January 15, 2007
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***
Clear Lake Park
2301 29th Street
Presented by City of Orlando Office of Human Relations and Green-Up Orlando.
Volunteers will plant, mulch and fertilize to spruce up Clear Lake Park.

Thursday, January 18, 2007
5:30 p.m. Exhibit
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.

Friday, January 19, 2007
7:00 p.m. Recognition of Humanitarian Award Winners
Amway Arena
Presented by the Orlando Magic. There is a cost for this event.
Mayor Dyer will present the 54 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.

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