Since the 1980’s, every third Monday in January has served as the nationally recognized MLK Day for Americans to reflect on the life and legacy of preacher, husband, father and Civil Rights Movement leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year, MLK Day falls on Jan. 19, and it marks 58 years since his assassination at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. Local municipalities are hosting a full lineup of celebrations, including the following, listed here in chronological order.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Remembering Martin & Correta
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Day Springs Missionary Baptist Church (1945 NE 8th Ave., Gainesville)
Remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Members of the Gainesville Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will walk attendees through the life stages of two remarkable individuals. The event will be in person and streamed live online, on Facebook and YouTube. Free.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Town Hall symposium
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Day Springs Missionary Baptist Church (1945 NE 8th Ave., Gainesville)
Former alumni and current Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Recipients will discuss this year’s theme, “Steadfast, Unmovable Against All Odds.” Free.
Saturday, Jan. 17
“Me, Myself & God.”
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: MLK Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville)
A play presented by The MLK Commission and Romona Jackson. Must contact the MLK Commission Office at 352-376-2442 to reserve tickets. Free.
Friday, Jan. 16
“Detroit ‘67”
Time: Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.
Location: Star Centre Theatre
A two-story dramedy chronicling a family having a house party while the city is on fire. The metaphor sits on the backbeat of a country dancing to the new sound of Motown during the 1967 Detroit riots. The play is PG-13 for strong language and violence and runs through Jan. 25. $12-22.
Stephan P. Mickle Jazz Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: MLK Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville)
Join the D.R. Band to celebrate the late Honorable Stephan P. Mickle, first African American lawyer, County Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals and District Court judge. Free.
Monday, Jan. 19
Memorial Gardens redesign ribbon cutting and Hall of Fame enshrinement
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: MLK Memorial Gardens (200 E University Ave., Gainesville)
Featuring keynote speaker Honorable Diyonne McGraw, 2026 Hall of Fame Award Recipient. Presentation to Essence Davis, IB senior from Eastside High School and 2026 Edna M. Hart Keeper of The Scholarship Award Recipient. Free.
MLK National Holiday parade
Time: Noon
Location: MLK Memorial Gardens (200 E University Ave., Gainesville)
March to the MLK Center. Free.
National Holiday Celebration
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: MLK Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville)
The event will have floats, live marching bands, dance groups, vehicle and motorcycle groups. Free shuttle bus service provided by city of Gainesville from Citizens Field to downtown Gainesville. Free.
City of Alachua Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Legacy Park Multipurpose Center (15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua)
A day of remembrance, call to action and celebration of hope. Free.
Concerned Citizens of Newberry presents Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Center (25515 NW 6th Ave., Newberry)
A celebratory march from the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal building. A group photo will be taken at 11 a.m., followed by the march at 11:30 a.m. There will be a program starting at noon from the Municipal building to honor the achievements and legacy of Dr. King, including a speech from Dr. Naima Brown. Food and refreshments will be provided. Free.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church MLK Day Celebration
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (17515 SW 147th Ave., Archer)
Aiming to build community and unite the nation in alignment with The King Center. Free.