Monday was the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it was a weekend spent serving and celebrating his legacy around Osceola County.
Saturday, Lakefront Park hosted the City of Kissimmee’s annual Unity Celebration, and the community turned out on a glorious Saturday, before the weather turned January. City Commissioner Angela Eady, the city’s lone African-American commissioner, helped kick off the festivities, turning the entertainment over to headliner band O-Town MoTown. They had people coming from all directions to listen to their tributes to great songs of the past like “My Girl” by The Temptations and “Mustang Sally” By Wilson Pickett.
On Monday, St. Cloud got into the spirit at the city’s annual day of service. It didn’t matter that the temperatures were in the 40s for much of the morning project—cleaning up and restoring the Peghorn Park Nature Walk—as nearly 50 people, individuals and families of all ages from all walks of life turned out in the morning to pull weeds, clean up flower beds and plant new seeds. It was much like what Dr. King did in the 1960s.
They were joined by officials like School Board member Paula Bronson, Police Chief Doug Goerke and City Council members Kolby Urban and Jennifer Paul, the latter the first council member of color.
“It’s a glorious day. I don’t even mind the weather as it’s about unification, it’s what Dr. King stood for,” Paul said. “It warms my heart to see everyone working together.”
St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Program Leader Shania Shelton even noted having more folks out to commit to serve on Monday despite the weather.
“We’re making it more beautiful for those who enjoy walking the trail,” Shelton said.
In all, Osceola County honored King in a way that would make the Doctor proud, honor equality, understanding, and peace in a festive and productive way.
Photos by Taylor McFee
