Across South Florida, several cities will take part in events Monday to honor the life, legacy and memory of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The second annual 1South-Dade MLK Unity Bike Ride and Day of Service took place at the Naranja Park, located at 14150 SW 264th Street. City Year Miami held a day of service at both Brownsville Middle School and Redland Middle School.
The city of Tamarac held a Unity March at Tamarac Park while the city of Miramar began a celebration at Lakeshore Park. Pembroke Pines also held an event at the Charles F. Dodge City Center.
Miami's 45th annual MLK Parade went along Northwest 54th Street. The parade spanned eight miles and traces the steps Dr. King traveled in Miami during visits.
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A parade also took place in the city of Pompano Beach, starting at 9 a.m. at Blanche Ely High School and ended with a celebration at Mitchell Moore Park, located at 901 Northwest 10th Street.
“This day, it means so much to everyone," said Shawntel Steele, who attending the event. "This is what Martin Luther King would’ve wanted; for us all to be together, get along and enjoy each other.”
Congresswoman-elect Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was among those who attended the parade and said there is still a long road ahead to equality.
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“We see that the House just passed the Voting Rights bill last week, so that shows we’re still on our way and that fight for equality is still real for us,” she said.
Last Friday, Gwen Cherry Park hosted a collaborative effort between Miami-Dade parks, Feeding South Florida, and the Miami Marlins Foundation to help those in the area. The partnership produced around 500 boxes filled with fresh produce and food for those who need it to pick up in a drive-thru event.
“It helps the community out when we’re trying to make ends meet,” said Bridgette King, who received a box. She lives in Liberty City. “We’re just getting back to work and school in Miami-Dade County so I think it’s a good event to help the community.”
Organizers say events like this go hand in hand with what King worked to accomplish – equality regardless of the color of someone’s skin.
“Thank God for Dr. King,” said Jeannette Walker, who received a food bag from the event. “All the things that he did, all those things are still living on. You all give the community hope.”
