More than 40 years after his death, Gainesville residents continue to celebrate the dream of Martin Luther King Jr.
UF is preparing for a celebration honoring King with events scheduled from Monday until Jan. 29.
Natalia Leal, assistant director of UF Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, said the celebration’s organizing committee chose the theme “Leave Your Mark” to return to the root of King’s message.
The message emphasizes reaching out to the community through service, Leal said.
“Dr. King’s legacy is really about social justice,” she said.
The week’s activities will start Monday with a day of service at Reichert House Youth Academy, an after-school program created to help adolescent males who could be exposed to drug abuse and violence.
Reichert House Administrative Director Doug Williams said he is pleased to see students honor the holiday through community service, which will include helping with landscaping and renovations at the academy.
Other events include a commemorative march Monday, which starts at 1 p.m. at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza downtown, according to the event Web site.
On Jan. 26, Dr. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins University, will speak about his career and his humble beginnings in an inner-city neighborhood, according to the site.
The events will also help pay tribute to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Leal said the celebration Monday will feature appearances by members of Gators United for Haiti.
The members will inform students about how they can help the victims of the earthquake, Leal said.
A candlelight vigil Tuesday night will recognize both King’s legacy and the tragedy in Haiti.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.multicultural.ufl.edu/MLK.
