Some dreams can last more than a lifetime.
The Martin Luther King Jr. celebration began on Sunday night and will continue until Jan. 22, with some events lasting after the holiday.
The nine days will feature guest speakers, a youth talent show, a drug abuse and AIDS awareness program, a spelling bee and, of course, celebrations honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Rodney Long, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Florida, said this year’s festivities will focus on the activist’s life and celebrate his birth.
Long said the youth oratorical contest is one of the new events this year. He said the contestants’ speeches focus on what King’s dream meant to them.
On Tuesday, the oratorical contest and gospel concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Ignite Faith Center, according to a press release.
Throughout the week, many of the events will take place at the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, located at 1028 NE 14th St.
An educational workshop about the sealing of court records will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the Black History Cultural Brain Bowl and Spelling Bee on Thursday at 6 p.m., according to the release.
On Friday, a youth talent show will begin at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, an awareness program about violence, drug abuse and AIDS will begin at 10 a.m.
Sunday and Monday will both feature events throughout the day celebrating the life of King and his dream through commemorative programs, marches, gospel programs and awards ceremonies.
“These events are important because Dr. King and countless others paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so America could progress,” Long said. “It is now time, especially for young people, to commemorate his life and celebrate his birth.”
For more information about event dates and times, visit www.multicultural.ufl.edu/programs/mlk_celebration/city_events.
