The Lakeland Midtown Arts & Culture Organization and the Education & Enlightenment Group will be hosting a number of events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and MLK Day. These events include a jazz concert taking place on the evening of Friday, January 17th, the MLK Parade on Saturday, January 18th and the MLK Oratorical Contest on January 23rd.
The 5th Annual MLK Jazz in the Park event features the Jared Armstrong Group and Joe Griffin Junior. The FREE concert takes place at Simpson Park on Friday, January 17th from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. The event is free so bring a lawn chair, a blanket and be prepared to here wonderful jazz under the stars. For additional information go to https://allevents.in/lakeland/5th-annual-dr-mlk-jazz-in-the-park/200018797239002.
The MLK Day Parade takes place Saturday, January 18th and will begin at 11 a.m. The parade route will start on Providence Road at the 14th Street intersection. The parade will travel Providence Road then turn east onto 10th street before heading south on MLK Avenue. The parade will include professional floats, step groups, walkers, decorated vehicles and marching bands.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest will take place on January 23rd at the New Mount Zion Church located at 1321 North Webster Avenue. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached care for your fellow man. If he were alive today, what would his message be? This academic speaking challenge teaches students history and the importance to be able to think and speak clearly to an audience. The event is from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.