Coral Springs is fortunate to have a dedicated cadre of volunteers who have assisted the City of Coral Springs for the past 29 years to host a weekend celebration to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event history goes back to 1991, when the City Commission responded very favorably to a request from a group of local residents and clergy, that the City consider hosting a memorial event in honor of their fellow clergyman, Dr. King. A group of community volunteers, now formally known as the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, took on this challenge, and each year since its inception the event has drawn an increasing number of attendees from the tri-county areas of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Today the Coral Springs MLK Celebration stands as a nationally recognized occasion.
The weekend festivities have gained a much-deserved level of recognition throughout the years due to the fact that it appeals to every segment within our community including students, teachers, families, senior citizens and business professionals.
In addition to the weekend festivities, the committee equivocally has been recognized throughout Coral Springs for their Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program. The purpose of the Scholarship Program is to provide funds to economically disadvantaged High School Seniors from our local Schools, wishing to attend college or an institution of higher learning/training. The success and continuance of the program is entirely dependent upon the generous contributions of individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations within as well as outside our community.
This enduring community support emerged once again 3 years ago when the community joined together in dedicating a three-dimensional monument in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This Monument, which is the first of its kind in the tri-county area, stands tall in its prominent location at the Northwest Regional Library and is visited by hundreds of families and children each day. This Monument has served as an inspiration to young and old alike, and the hope is that it will continue to inspire assemblages throughout the community, particularly with the children within our city, who could use the site as a focal point for discussions on peace and equality.
This year the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee will commence their 29th Annual Celebration on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Coral Springs Museum of Art with an Award Ceremony honoring student winners of the Annual Art & Literary Exhibits based on the current theme, which is: Dr. King had a Dream: What is your Dream?” Following the Award Ceremony, the Committee will host a musical/drama production entitled “Dr. King had a Dream, so that my Dreams can come True” in the theater.
The celebration continues on Friday, January 18th, with an Annual Business Luncheon at the Coral Springs Marriott. This year’s luncheon will highlight Keynote Speaker, Marc Morial; Entrepreneur, Lawyer, Professor, Legislator, Mayor, and President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors as well as the President/CEO of the National Urban League (NUL), the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. The 2nd Annual MLK Monument Award will also be presented at this time to a person, business or organization that exemplifies one of Dr. King’s quotes on the Monument.
Lastly, the Committee will conclude the eventful weekend with their Annual “It’s a Day On, Not a Day Off” Diversity/Leadership Workshop at the MLK Monument & Coral Springs Charter School on Monday, January 21, from 8:30 A.M-1:00 P.M. At this workshop, both middle and high school students get the opportunity to not only earn volunteer hours, but also enjoy a fulfilling an inspirational morning where they will have the opportunity to work together in multiple group activities that incite an understanding as well as an appreciation for each other and their diverse community.
Please join us at any of these events as the community celebrates our great leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For more details, please call Joyce Campos at 954-344-1005, visit www.coralsprings.org/
