MLK Inaugural Leadership Forum: “Living, Learning and Leading Lakeland – Friday, Jan. 13, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Lake Crago Park. Business executives are participating in a panel discussion, including Paul Despinosse and LaTarsha Melvin of Publix, Sheilitha Williams of Walgreens, Tracy Wilson of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and Karen Turner of Lockheed Martin. Admission is free.
School Daze: A Divine 9 & HBCU Alumni Mixer – Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium & Peggy Brown Building, 121 S. Lake Ave. Free tickets are available at Fourlifepromo.com. Tables are available for sponsorship. It is open to all.
Day of Caring Children’s Festival for ages 12 and younger – Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Florida Children’s Museum at Bonnet Springs Park. Free admission for all. Entrepreneurs and vendors will be on hand.
Gospel Explosion – Sunday, Jan. 15 — 3 p.m., New Bethel A.M.E Church, 2122 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Admission is free. The New Bethel choir, praise team, musicians, and invited guests will be singing old hymns, and spiritual songs and performing praise dances.
A Day of Service – Monday, Jan. 16. Call 404-735-8994 to get involved. The Joinery on Lake Mirror is partnering with local organizations for an MLK Brunch and Serve Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first 100 guests to check in at The Joinery will receive complimentary brunch. At 12:30 pm, keynote speaker Kelvin McCree will lead a conversation honoring and remembering Dr. King’s legacy, the importance of social justice, and continued activism. Volunteers will then have the opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy by serving local nonprofit organizations, including Lighthouse Ministries, Dream Center of Lakeland, and One More Child.
Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast – Mon. Jan. 16 — 9 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Freewill Baptist Church. 1047 N. Ohio Ave. Speaker is William Boss, pastor at Greater Faith Christian Church in Lakeland. Tickets are $30.
Canvas and Cocktails – Monday, Jan. 16 – 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Well, 114 E. Parker St. Artist, and art teacher Kent McCallister will display his work and paint a live painting, along with artist David Collins, while bartenders prepare their signature drinks. Participants will be able to paint their own works, as well. There will be raffles and silent auctions of artwork.
MLK Digital Business Challenge 2023 – Tuesday, Jan. 17 – 5 p.m. at Catapult, 502 E. Main St. It is an opportunity for high school students to learn about and obtain seed funds to start their own technology business. Door prizes will be available. To register in advance, text DREAM to 844-529-7022
An Evening of Art – Wednesday, Jan. 18 – 6 p.m. at the Polk Museum of Art, reception for Black quilter Lauren Austin. 800 E. Palmetto St. Museum Executive Director Alex Rich will host a talk with Austin during the event.
MLK Youth Oratorical Contest – Thursday, Jan. 19 — 7 p.m. at New Mt. Zion M. B. Church, 1321 N. Webster Ave. #75. Cora Rankins – The topic is interviewing Dr. King and the challenges of that in today’s world. Middle and high school students have submitted their essays/speeches and about a dozen finalists have been chosen by a committee. The program helps prepare students for academics, poise, and public speaking. First, second and third-place winners will be chosen for monetary prizes.
Swan City Jazz Fest – Friday, Jan. 20, and Saturday, Jan. 21. 3-9 p.m. both days. Munn Park, between Kentucky and Tennessee Streets on Main Street.
Friday, January 20th
- Mulberry Jazz Ensemble
- Harrison School of the Arts Jazz Orchestra
- Winter Haven Jazz Messengers
- All County Jazz Band
- Let’s Ride Jazz Band
- Paula Atherton
Saturday, January 21st
- LHS Jazz Band
- Lakeland Anchor & Swan City Quartet
- Swan City Jazz Project
- Robbs Trio
- The Franchise Players
- Jazmin Ghent
MLK Annual Parade – Saturday, Jan. 21 – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. More than 100 participants will march. It starts on Providence Road at the 14th Street intersection. It will travel to 10th Street and turn east before heading south on MLK Avenue. The theme is “Our History is Our Future – Protect It and Preserve It.” The Grand Marshal is former Detroit Tigers star, Willie Horton.
Old School Celebration – Saturday, Jan. 21 – 8 p.m. at The Well, 114 E. Parker St. This is an opportunity for people to dress up in their best “back in the day” outfits and enjoy R&B, funk, and soul music from the 1950s through the 1970s. The entrance is $20.
MLK Car Showcase – Sunday, Jan. 22 – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. About 40 unique showpiece cars will be on display, with prizes given out in various categories. Several slots are still available for entries. Contact Diretta’s Baby, a local nonprofit organization, at 863-286-4371.