Communities across Alachua County have planned events on Monday, Jan. 15 to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speakers range from county commissioners to NFL players, all seeking to show how King’s messages are still relevant in their communities. 

Gainesville 

As the final event in its week of celebration, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida’s 40th Annual MLK Parade and National Holiday Celebration at noon. The parade will lead from Bo Diddley Plaza to Citizens Field, followed by the celebration on the field, featuring “Little Jake & The Souls Searchers Band.” 

Alachua 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cleather Hathcock Community Center (15818 NW 140th St.), the city of Alachua will host its Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. There will be a special performance by 1000 Voices of Florida and a free lunch. Adrian Peterson, Alachua’s own college football hall of fame inductee, will be a special guest speaker. 

Newberry 

The day will begin with a celebratory march, starting at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (25515 NW 6th Ave.) at 11 a.m., led by the Newberry Fire Department leads us on a meaningful journey to the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building (25420 W Newberry Rd.) 

At noon, a program with food and beverages will begin at the Mentholee Norfleet Community Center. Marsha Kiner, Executive Director of the Children’s Trust of Alachua County, will be the keynote speaker. 

Micanopy 

The Willie Mae Stokes Community Center (355 NW 6th Ave.) will host Micanopy’s first Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The celebration starts with a march at 10 a.m., then the program will feature Alachua County Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Chestnut IV as its guest speaker with the theme “continuing to build our loving community: ‘It starts with ME!’” 

Archer 

The city of Archer will also hold its first celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on the actual holiday, with speakers, a bounce house, food, vendors and music. The event will take place at the Archer Community Center (16671 SW 137^th Ave.) at 11 a.m., with a theme of “Shifting the Cultural Climate through Love and Unity.”