'Continue the Journey'

The banquet hall at the Kissimmee Civic Center was set and ready for the elegantly attired guests as they checked in and were seated in anticipation of the evening’s program.

The color scheme was black and gold. Red silk flowers adorned with golden birds and butterflies were nestled in tall vases and set to accent the podium. This was the recent setting for the 32nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Banquet in observance of the MLK Jr. legacy and holiday.

Osceola Visionaries, Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for scholarships for local high school students, hosted the event. Its treasurer, Shirley B. Taylor, said that the organization began in 1988, as The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee, and was instrumental in establishing the official observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday in Osceola County.

The evening’s observance included a buffet dinner. A cake decorated with Dr. King’s image was featured for dessert. Keyboardist Ricky Allen Jr. provided a musical interlude,while the guests mingled and made their way through the buffet line.

The emcee, Osceola Visionaries Inc. member, Russell Anderson, introduced the program, with the theme “Continue the Journey: Fulfill the Dream.” It began with an invocation, followed by The Pledge of Allegiance. The guests were welcomed by Osceola Visionaries Secretary, Mary L. Berrian. The roster of speakers and presenters included local officials and dignitaries. It featured the keynote speaker, Osceola County judge, the Honorable Gabriella Sanders-Morency, as well as Kissimmee Mayor, Jose Alvarez, and Kissimmee Deputy City Manager, Desiree Mathews.

Awards were presented to Katria Jenkins and Evelyn C. Herrera-Jackson for their respective work in the community, and vocal soloists Deborah Ashley and Jeannette Rivers provided tribute through song during the program.

The speakers spoke of Dr. King’s legacy and its continuing impact on them and others, and the printed program included key dates and events in the life of Dr. King for the attendees to read and reflect upon.

Anna M. Pinellas, the organization’s founder, shared why it was important to her that this holiday be observed locally.

“I was concerned about Dr. King and what he had gone through. I wanted us to recognize that we had achieved many things based on his thoughts and prayers and willingness to go out to get things done. So, it was a combination of a lot of things,” she said.

The banquet was held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday in January to commemorate the birthday of the scholar, minister, and civil rights activist, who was born on Jan. 15, 1929.

“I was concerned about Dr. King and what he had gone through. I wanted us to recognize that we had achieved many things based on his thoughts and prayers and willingness to go out to get things done. So, it was a combination of a lot of things,” said Anna M. Pinellas, founder of Osceola Visionaries Inc.