Call for volunteers, vendors and more for MLK events in Ocala

Members of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Anthony carry a banner with a picture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they march with hundreds of other people in Ocala on Jan. 15, 2024. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]

Beginning Jan. 6 and running through Jan. 20, there will be a number of local events to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.”

The third Monday in January is a federal holiday to remember the slain civil rights activist, who served as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, from 1954 to 1965, before he rose to international prominence as the leading voice for equality and social justice in America and around the world until he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

All of the activities taking place in Ocala are organized by the Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee. Proceeds will help fund scholarships for local high school students. The committee has issued a call for members of the public to join in, as well as an appeal for vendors, entertainers and volunteers. Below are details about each activity and who to contact to learn more.

VOLUNTEERS: A meeting for volunteers will begin at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 at 615 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. For more information contact Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 or email [email protected].

FOOD DRIVE: The drive will begin at 9 a.m. on Jan. 11 at the 2nd Bethlehem Association at NW 4th Ave., Ocala. To learn more about the drive and ways to participate, call Ire Bethea at (352) 208-0819 or Eric Cummings at (352) 804-6871.

PRAYER BREAKFAST: On Jan. 18, beginning at 9 a.m., the annual Prayer Breakfast will take place at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, at 1812 NW 21st Ave. The event will offer inspirational comments along with a delicious meal. For more information, reach out to Loretta Jenkins at (352) 351-0824.

WREATH LAYING: At noon on Jan. 18, people will gather at Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Park at 500 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. for the annual laying of a ceremonial wreath. For details, call Cassandra Boston at (352) 209-2973.

YOUTH DAY: Just an hour later that same day, festivities for youngsters of all ages will begin back at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. This event will offer numerous opportunities for area youth to have fun and learn about Dr. King’s history and legacy. To learn more, call Dilworth at (352) 207-6036.

ECUMENICAL SERVICES: The annual services will begin at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19 at New St. John Baptist Church at 2251 NW 2nd St. Shirley Wright may be reached at (352) 732-0097 for those wishing to know more about this activity.

HISTORIC MARCH: The showcase event will be the annual Historic March on Jan. 20. Participants may park their vehicles at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Complex at 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd. and take a shuttle to the downtown square. The buses will begin running at 7 a.m. and the line-up of participants will begin at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m., the march will step off from the square and participants will walk back to the MLK Recreational Complex. They will be greeted by numerous well-wishers along the way. For details, call Bethea at (352) 208-0819 or Kelvin B. Richardson at (352) 207-9558.

DAY IN THE PARK: As march participants arrive back at the complex, the Day in the Park activities will begin, from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be speeches, live performances, family activities and vendors with a wide variety of offerings.
TeSha Jackson, who is lining up the performers, said there will be an “homage to the legendary Motown, Philadelphia, and R&B sound, brought to life by The All Stars Sensation Band.” Those interested in performing may call Jackson at (352) 426-0861 or email [email protected].
Interested vendors can reach out to Dilworth at (352) 207-6036.

“The committee has had some wonderful experiences working with the city of Ocala and other organizations. As we celebrate our annual events each year, we get great support and donations from the community. We are thankful to be able to give scholarships to high school seniors in our public schools,” Committee President Paula Leahmon stated.

“We continue to live in a world filled with less than perfect days and unpredictable circumstances,” Leahmon offered. “We can continue to say as Dr. King did, that ‘We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power of love. There is some good in the worst of us and evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.’”

She also noted that, “As we embark upon another year, we are recruiting new membership, which is very essential to our continued contributions and operation.”

To learn more about the committee, reach out to anyone listed in this article.

Members of the NAACP Marion County Youth Council walk along Silver Springs Boulevard on Jan. 15, 2024, during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March in Ocala. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]