The 47th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 18, is one of many events that will mark Lakeland’s celebration of the life of the late civil rights leader.
It will feature more than 100 participants, including sororities, fraternities, dance troupes, car clubs, marching bands and business owners.
Cora Rankins, the organizer for this year’s events, said members of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commission of Lakeland hope people from all walks of life will join the festivities.
“To continue to keep the dream alive, we have to do it with love. My favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quote is, ‘We attack darkness with love,’” said Rankins, who is also president of the commission.
Other MLK events
Events spread over 11 days will celebrate the achievements of Dr. King. In addition to the parade, there’s a car show, interfaith breakfast and gospel music showcase. And families can enjoy free admission to the Florida Children’s Museum in Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Jan. 11.
New this year is the Grand Marshal Gala tonight. It will honor this year’s grand marshal, Morris Chestang, president of the Gladys Leggett Neighborhood Association.
“Mr. Chestang has been a pillar in the community for quite a while. He was one of the ones to integrate the schools as an assistant principal back in the sixties. He was a tutor at the Coleman Bush building. He’s done wonderful things. He’s a quiet man. He doesn’t speak much, but he shows with his actions,” Rankins said.
Schedule of Events
Friday, Jan. 10
Grand Marshal Gala – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Commission of Lakeland is hosting the inaugural MLK Parade Grand Marshal Gala at 7 p.m. at the Coleman Bush Building. Tickets are $50 per person and $380 per table.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Day of Caring Children’s Festival – The Florida Children’s Museum is offering free admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature live performances, hands-on activities, and community resource vendors and giveaways.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Gospel Explosion – The Dream Mega Fest Lakeland, in partnership with Diretta’s Baby and New Bethel A.M.E. Church is hosting a gospel music showcase at 3 p.m. New Bethel A.M.E Church is located at 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Unity Through Diversity: A Celebration of Jazz in the U.S.A: The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College (formerly known as the Polk Museum of Art) is hosting a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the spirit and history of jazz, as well as the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by showcasing its current exhibition, “Above All, Enjoy the Music.” The exhibition features unique images of jazz icons taken by photographer Herman Leonard. The evening will include live performances by the Sankofa Chorale and a discussion about the legacy of jazz with Dr. Jessie Owens.
“By exploring jazz history, its enduring impact on American culture, and its reflection of the Black experience, we hope to celebrate MLK week with this eye-opening and music-filled special free event,” said Dr. Alex Rich, executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
The museum is located at 800 E. Palmetto St.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest: Students from across Polk County public schools will meet at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church to deliver speeches about heroines during the civil rights movement. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Expect to hear from students ranging in grades second through high school as they compete for cash prizes.
Saturday, Jan. 18
47th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade – The 2025 parade will start at 1 p.m., beginning at the intersection of Providence Road and West 14th Street. It will travel down Providence Road, turn east on 10th Street, and head south on MLK Avenue, concluding at 2nd Street. Judges will select first-, second- and third-place winners and a Judge’s Honorable Mention in the following categories: walkers, decorated vehicle, professional float, flatbed/trailer, dance group, car club, band, and unique cars/trucks. Parade judging will take place at the intersection of MLK Avenue and 5th Street.
Sunday, Jan. 19
2025 MLK Car Show – The annual car show is a family-oriented event at Joker Marchant Stadium, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s an opportunity to showcase your car for the community to enjoy. The show is free to get in, however parking is $15 and vehicle registration is $30. The stadium is located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Monday, Jan. 20
21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast – The theme for this year’s prayer breakfast is “Mission Possible: Protecting freedom, justice, and democracy in the spirit of non-violence.” The keynote speaker is Rev. Clifton Dollison of First Missionary Baptist Church of Winter Haven. The breakfast, held by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Lakeland, is at the Dream Center of Lakeland, 635 W. 5th Street. Doors open at 8 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $30.
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
