Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission are proud to announce a variety of events to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Commission is a volunteer organization that includes business and community representatives appointed by Mayor Dyer to raise funds, produce programs and coordinate events that promote the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, justice, freedom, peace, respect and inclusion for all.
Below is a list of the 2025 events:
Sunday, January 12, 2025
2 p.m. - MLK Candlelight Vigil and March
Shiloh Fellowship Hall, 580 West Jackson Street
The City of Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a candlelight vigil at Shiloh Fellowship Hall. At the event, participants will be greeted with a brief presentation followed by a march for the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration.
2:30 p.m. – Interfaith Multicultural Celebration
Shiloh Baptist Church, 580 West Jackson Street
Following the Candlelight Vigil is the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speaker Archbishop Allen T.D. Wiggins Senior Past of the Hope Church of Orlando.
Monday, January 13, 2025
2 p.m. - Orlando City Council Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Presentation
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue
Mayor Dyer and City Commissioners will proclaim January 12-20, 2025, as “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Week” in the City of Orlando.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
7 p.m. – 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
FAMU College of Law, 201 FAMU Law Lane
During the Leadership Forum presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, participants will take part in a moderated, interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community to discuss this year’s theme of “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.”
For event registration visit mlkluncheon.org.
Friday, January 17, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway
This luncheon, presented by the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. & the I.S. Hankins/F.A. Johnson Education Foundation (HJEF), begins with keynote speaker Marc Morial, who served as the highly successful and popular Mayor of New Orleans. At the event, students, community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their contributions with the prestigious Drum Major Award in areas of Scholastic Achievement, Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service and Business.
Event registration, visit mlkluncheon.org.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
10 a.m. – 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade
Downtown Orlando, Orange Avenue
Join the Southwest Orlando Jaycees for an exciting event that will feature dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more. The parade theme is: “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365”.
For parade information, contact swojuniorchamber@
Sunday, January 19, 2025
7 p.m. – MLK Night at the Orlando Magic
Kia Center, 400 West Church Street
The event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. Denver Nuggets game.
Monday, January 20, 2025
7:30 a.m. – Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 34th Annual Prayer Breakfast
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway
Presented by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees and the Central Florida YMCA, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast will commemorate the legacies of civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member. This year’s guest speaker will be Carolyn Fennell, former senior vice president of public affairs and community relations with Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for more than three decades, this prayer breakfast traditionally brings together more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida neighbors in faith, prayer and the shared commitment to strengthen the community and improve lives.
Event registration, visit ymcacf.org/community/y-
9 a.m. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service
Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, 9899 International Drive
U.S. Hunger, in collaboration with the Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Orange County MLK Initiative, will pack and distribute one million healthy meals of food relief throughout the Central Florida region while providing a high-energy, family-friendly volunteer event for 5,000 Central Florida volunteers.
To sign up to volunteer visit orlando.gov/dayofservice.
9 a.m. - Seedlings for Civil Rights
Hankins Park, 1340 Lake Park Court
Join Green Up Orlando to beautify Hankins Park by planting trees, mulching, and removing litter in the surrounding park and other areas. Snacks, water and all needed supplies provided for volunteers. Closed toe shoes required.
For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteer.orlando.gov/
Sunday, January 26, 2025
7 p.m. - MLK Gospel Concert: MLK: “Until I Reach My Home, It’s Gonna Take a Village.”
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall, 445 South Magnolia Avenue
The 10th Annual MLK Concert is
Witness the powerful message of Dr. King’s legacy come alive through “MLK: Until I Reach My Home, It’s Gonna Take a Village.” This concert emphasizes the importance of working together to build a better future.
More than just a concert, this is a call to action. Be uplifted by the beauty of music and inspired to create positive change in your community. Featuring Orlando Choral Society, the UCF Choirs, high school and church choirs, guest narrator, soloists, actors, dancers, and more!
Experience a moving performance featuring Orlando Choral Society, the UCF Choirs, high school and church choirs, guest narrator, soloists, actors, dancers, and more!
Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for UP – United Against Poverty which will be distributed to various local community and school food pantries.
To RSVP visit orlando.gov/mlkconcert.
In addition, Orange County has officially proclaimed Monday, January 20, 2025, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Orange County, Florida, honoring his lifelong dedication and efforts to advance justice and equality for all humanity. Please visit www.ocfl.net/MLKfor more information.
The county is also partnering with U.S. Hunger for the second annual MLK Day of Service as we strive to make a positive impact in our community on Monday, January 20 (three shifts available). Our challenge: pack one million meals in a single day for us to help stock food pantries and feed our neighbors in need.
Watch Last Year’s Event Highlights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB8U7BwjSAw.
Learn more about MLK Day of Service and sign up here: https://mlkdos.kinsta.cloud/
