South Florida is celebrating the lasting legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with parades and other events.
7News cameras captured a large crowd near Northwest 54th Street and 11th Avenue as Miami’s 49th Annual MLK Day Parade got underway, late Monday morning, on what would have been King’s 97th birthday.
“Because it reminds us of the sacrifice that he made and to bring us all together in peace and love and harmony, and we can do a little dance and celebrate the life, the legacy of the man that made it all possible,” said a woman.
Students from the North Miami Middle School Marching Band were among the many participants in the event.
Local officials were seen in attendance, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Law enforcement officials took part in this parade to honor and celebrate King and his legacy.
The parade in Miami went for about three miles and ended at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, located along Northwest 32nd Court, where an afternoon celebration with food, music, dancing and more activities is being held.
“Take this message of peace and unity and economic development and do something with it,” said a woman.
The City of Miami Beach celebrated the day with their 5000 Role Models MLK Breakfast, bringing together students, mentors and community leaders focused on education and opportunity. Among the honorees at the event was music mogul DJ Khaled.
“But you got to have a purpose. And the more blessings you give, the more blessings you get back, so it’s our duty to do God’s work every single day, give back to the community,” the rapper said.
WSVN’s own Donovan Campbell also served as emcee at the South Beach event.
Parades across South Florida and the nation paid tribute to King, who is remembered as a pioneer and leader who helped shaped America’s future. The slain civil rights leader opened the door to equality and to opportunity for millions of people in the U.S. With his peaceful protests and his strong, commanding voice, he made a difference in the lives of millions of people.
Local parades were also held north of the county line. Celebrations were held in several Broward cities, including Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miramar.
“We come together with the community and just, you know, celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King and the things that he did for us and just to be here just to support all around the community and stuff, and just to be able to spend time with everybody,” said a woman.
“Because Martin Luther King did a lot for us as Black people and I just think it’s great to honor him, so whenever I can, I come out,” said another woman.
Spectators of all ages came together, as his dream continues to live on, not only in the people who march in the parade, but in the hundreds of thousands of people who take part and come along with their families throughout the community.
Monday’s festivities are not only about honoring history, but also believing in the promise of what is possible when we people come together.
“It gives you hope to know that we can come together from different generations as one, as a whole to celebrate,” said a woman.
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