The city of Key West invites the community to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at Nelson English Park at 300 Catherine St.
The family-oriented celebration will include food, drink, games and speeches, all culminating in a march at 5 p.m. in honor of the civil rights pioneer.
King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work in the civil rights movement. He was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 for his dedication to this cause.
The city commission issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Key West at its Jan. 7 meeting.
Mona C. Clark and other members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration & Scholarship Committee accepted the proclamation.
“We’ve been doing this for 40 years,” said Clark, “and the main purpose is to give scholarships to kids that need the assistance. In the past 10 years the need has increased tremendously. Last year, we gave out $26,000. This is working for the community, the youth, and the future of Key West.”
The committee also helps organize the annual MLK picnic each January and hosts events throughout February for Black History Month.
Key West’s city offices will be closed on Jan. 20 in honor of the King holiday.
