The cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud hosted events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday and legacy.
Kissimmee hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration Saturday at Lakefront Park. This event demonstrates the impact that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. created while highlighting divisive oppression and inequality.
Minister Tiffany Jeffers, the founder and president of the Black Empowerment & Community Council, delivered the event’s opening invocation.
“I am honored to have been a part of this celebration,” she said. This event is not only a remembrance of Dr. King’s contributions and sacrifices, but also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice. It’s an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate progress, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done in fighting for civil rights, equality, and justice.”
Jeffers even mentioned the impact she wants to create in her community.
“My focus remains on advocating for and supporting the empowerment of the Black community in Osceola County. Our efforts span across critical areas like education, health, economic development, public safety, and social justice. Our aim is to create an impact through various initiatives and programs that align with our mission.”
Lifelong resident and civic leader Deloris McMillon made a special appearance at the event. She kicked off the event by reminding the community of how Dr. King continues to let his legacy continue.
“Even though he was killed, his work never died.” McMillon stated.
For the future of the City of Kissimmee, Jeffers envisions what the community will do to continue his legacy.
“In the spirit of Dr. King’s vision, we hope to see a future for Kissimmee’s black community where equality, justice, and opportunity are not just ideals but realities. We envision a community where educational and economic disparities are addressed, where health equity is achieved, and where the community feels safe and supported. Our goal is to continue working towards a society where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, inspired by the values and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I’m proud to collaborate with so many of our leaders here in Osceola County who are dedicated to working toward this vision by partnering with our Council. I’m excited for our future and for the future generations to come.”
On Monday, volunteers came together—on an off day from school and work to remember Dr. King’s legacy— at Hopkins Park in St. Cloud for the city’s annual day of service. The community came out and helped clean up the playground and put a fresh coat of paint on the center’s fresh fruit and vegetable garden boxes out back. Kids to adults, including St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell and Police Chief Doug Goerke pitched in.
Eva Brown, a St. Cloud High student, has spent most of her childhood at the park, as a day camper and now a volunteer, and said she jumped at the chance to pick up a paint brush.
“I really enjoy seeing the garden colorful,” she said. “It’d have been easy to stay in bed this morning but this way we can make a difference.”
She was making that difference with her friend, Maylin Diaz, a St. Cloud Middle seventh-grader. “The best part was the crowd— who the city fed burgers and hot dogs to for taking their time out Monday— was every bit as big as past years despite the sketchy “Is it raining? Is it sunny? Does it know?” weather, St. Cloud Educational Program Supervisor Christina Saint Louis said.
“It’s great to see so many people showing they care about the community, on a day like this, of remembering Dr. King,” she said.
Editor Ken Jackson contributed to this report.
