Theme: “A Resilient People, We’re Not Going Back!”
January 11 – 20, 2025
40th Annual Hall of Fame GALA
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Location: University of Florida Hilton Hotel
Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration at the 40th Annual Hall of Fame GALA!
Schedule of Events:
– Reception: 5:30 p.m.
– Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Social immediately following dinner.
This year’s program features:
– Keynote Speaker: Cayden Parker, Senior at Santa Fe High School and the 2025 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Recipient.
– Hall of Fame Award Honoree: Mr. Albert White, a dedicated community activist who has spent over 50 years exemplifying the principles of nonviolent social change in Gainesville and Alachua County.
Celebrate the legacy of individuals making a difference in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Hall of Fame Gala – Photos
Join us as we remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. The event will be in person and streamed live on our Website, Facebook Page, and YouTube. During this program, members of the Gainesville Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will take us through the life stages of two remarkable individuals.
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Day Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 1945 NE 8th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida
Contact: Ann Scott @ 352-376-2442
Event is Free
Event Sponsors: C. Ann Scott and MLK Commission of Florida, Inc.
Remembering Martin & Coretta – Photos
Join us as we discuss, this year’s theme “The Legacy of The Edna M. Hart Scholarship,” with former alumni and current Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Recipients, and Dr. Jacquelyn Hart, daughter and co-sponsor of the Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Award.
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Day Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 1945 NE 8th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida
Contact: Rodney Long (352) 376-2442
Event Sponsors: Dr. Jacquelyn Hart and the MLK Commission of Florida, Inc.
*Event is Free and will be streamed live here, Facebook, and YouTube
Town Hall Symposium – Photos
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HLGAZ95uR/
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Join us as we celebrate the late Honorable Stephan P. Mickle, first African American Lawyer, County Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals and District Court Judge.
Featuring: The When Gospel Meets Jazz Band
Location: Bo Diddley Plaza Downtown Gainesville
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Rodney Long (352) 376-2442
Event Sponsors: City of Gainesville, The Stephan P. Mickle Foundation, Inc., Avera & Smith Attorneys at Law and Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida, Inc.
Stephan P. Mickle Jazz Concert – Photos
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1RKwASqjaR/
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
The MLK Commission and Romona Jackson presents the play: “Who’s In The Box.” An Anti-Violence Youth Dramatization.
Location: P.K. Yonge Performing Arts Center, 1080 SW 11th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Admission is free by contacting: The MLK Commission Office 352-376-2442 (tickets are limited on a first come first served basis)
Event Contact Person: Diyonne McGraw @ 352-246-8071
Event Sponsors: Successful Living, Breakthroughs Group Homes, and P. K. Younge Development Research School and MLKCOFL
Who’s In The Box – Unplugged? – Photos
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18C4NGGKsQ/
HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT PROGRAM
Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
Location: MLK Memorial Gardens Downtown Gainesville
Keynote speaker Mr. Albert White, Longtime Community Activist, and 2025 Hall of Fame Award Recipient., and 2025 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Recipient, Cayden Parker, Senior, Santa Fe High School.
Time: 11:00 am
Event Sponsors: Office of Equity and Inclusion City of Gainesville, City of Gainesville and MLK Commission of Florida, Inc.
Hall of Fame Enshrinement Program – Photos
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17GTAeMRQ9/
NATIONAL HOLIDAY PARADE
Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
Parade Route: East University Avenue to Waldo Road, North to Citizen’s Field. If you would like to participate with a float, live marching band, dance group or vehicle, motorcycle groups, or vehicles, To register, visit our website at: https://www.martinlutherkingcommission.org/parade-registration/
Time: 12:00 Noon
Contact: Mike Powell (352) 256- 2360
Event Sponsors: Cox Communications, City of Gainesville and Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission of Florida, Inc.
Free Shuttle Bus Service Provided by City of Gainesville from Citizens Field to Downtown Gainesville
National Holiday Parade – Photos
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H4UWg6JBy/
NATIONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center, 1028 NE 14th Street – North Waldo Road, Gainesville, Florida
Featuring: D. R. Band & Soul Fire, The Spoken Word and More.
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Free Admission.
Contact: Mike Powell (352) 256-2360 or Janice Nix Crews @ 352-214-1044
Event Sponsors: UF Health, City of Gainesville and Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission of Florida, Inc.
Free Shuttle Bus Service Provided by City of Gainesville from Citizen’s Field to Downtown Gainesville
National Holiday Celebration – Photos
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast Registration
Theme: “A Resilient People, And We’re Not Going Back.”
Featuring The 2024 Drum Major For Justice Award Recipient: Rev. Dr. Marie Herring, Pastor Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church & Chaplain, MLK Commission of Florida, Inc. and “Presenting the 2025 Joseph ”Joel” Buchanan, Drum Major for Justice Scholarship Award Winner”
Friday, March 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Best Western Getaway Grand Hotel & Conference Center
4200 NW 97th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606
$50.00 Advance Contribution
