Food trucks, police cars, and spectators gather around Center Lake Park. From children running around playing tag to families on folding chairs, everyone anxiously waits for the day’s event.
The sound of music and police officers on motorcycles then begins filling the streets, signifying the start of what the local community has gathered for: the yearly MLK Day Parade.
Focusing on unity, togetherness, and community, Oviedo Citizens in Action works every year to organize a weekend celebration in honor of Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and the journey he started almost 60 years ago.
This year’s celebration introduced the roles younger generations and trailblazers within the community play in upholding King’s legacy. Seeing one of its biggest turnouts, the event allowed newer generations to come together with others to spread King’s message.
Some contributors from said younger generations come from local high schools, including Oviedo. One of these parade participants was Natalia Almendarez, the president of the OHS Black Student Union.
“Seeing everyone come out to support our school and other programs we partnered with was so heartwarming,” said Almendarez. “People showing up with signs and bringing their children along showed that the love for the work MLK put into history is still appreciated and alive.”
In addition to BSU, the parade hosted other young and inspiring members, including our Marching Lions, Olympic bronze medalist Omari Jones, the parade’s Grand Marshals, and the Lake Mary Little League World Champions.
The parade started and was led by this year’s Grand Marshals: The Little League World Champions and Spectrum News 13 anchor, Tammie Fields. Other participants included the OHS Marching Lions, the UCF Jazz in Motion Quartet, and Mayor Megan Sladek.
“Every year, there’s a quote of the year. It shifts around to give us a different angle to think about togetherness and working towards being one community…looking past all the differences for common ground” said Sladek.
This year’s theme was “From Dream to Reality: The Journey Continues”. Celebrating Dr. King’s legacy as a community helps to continue it and realize his dream, which many of those in the celebration have continuously strived to do.
“As an MLK humanitarian, I fed the homeless and went to elementary schools with younger kids. I mentored them and helped with school so I always was about community and bringing the whole together” said Olympian Jones.
Whether they’re sharing their past efforts or rallying for change, this year’s parade participants are united in their intentions to build on past achievements of past civil rights leaders to create a better future.
“People can celebrate and acknowledge how far we’ve come and how the people before our generations fought to make this world a better place,” said Almendarez. “These events are important so that we ensure history won’t be forgotten.”
