The City of Coral Springs is fortunate to have a dedicated cadre of volunteers who have assisted us for the past 30 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 MLK Committee, took on this challenge, and each year since its inception the event has drawn an increasing number of attendees from the South Florida area. Today, the Coral Springs MLK Celebration stands as a nationally recognized occasion.
The weekend’s festivities have gained a high level of recognition throughout the years since they appeal to every segment within our community – including students, teachers, families, seniors and business professionals.
In addition to the weekend of events, the committee organizes the MLK Scholarship Program. The program provides 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 from the surrounding community.
This enduring community support emerged once again four years ago when the community joined together to dedicate 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 MLK Committee will commence their 30th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts with an Award Ceremony honoring student winners of the Annual Art & Literary Exhibits based on the current theme, which is: “Thirty Years of Fulfilling the Dream.”
The celebration continues Friday, January 17th with the 30th Anniversary MLK Celebration Concert, also at the Center for the Arts. The MLK Committee presents Motown Magic, where the audience will take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the greatest soul hits by four world-class vocalists and six top-notch musicians. Relive great memories and good times with hits from The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, the Four Tops, The Jacksons, The Commodores, Lionel Richie and many, many more.
The 3rd 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 20, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 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 and 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 information, visit www.CoralSprings.org/mlk or call 954-344-1004
