Thursday, January 15 — 34th Annual MLK High School Essay Contest Finals – Students make their final oratorical presentations at the Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S. at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Cosponsored by the MLK Commemorative Celebration Committee Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha of St. Petersburg. Contact: Lynette Buchanan, 727-893-7134.
Friday, January 16 — 30th Annual MLK Drum Major for Justice Awards Banquet –St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton, 333 First St. S. at 7 p.m. The official opening of MLK week in Florida “Celebrating 50 Years of Civil Rights” featuring full concert with Wintley Phipps, internationally-renowned soloist. Tickets $45; available at Enoch Davis Center and Looking Good Men’s Fashions. Presented by MLK Holiday and Legacy Association, Inc. Contact: MLKholidaylegacy@gmail.com.
Friday, January 16 — Friday night MLK Concert at Mt Zion Progressive Baptist Church, 955 20th St. S., St. from 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, January 17 — The AKA AKAdemy will host “Fostering a Better Image” Lecture Series from 9- 1:30 p.m. at the Pinellas Technical Education Center, 901 34 St. S. The purpose of the lecture series is to increase awareness about the life, legacy, civil rights and teachings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Guest speakers include Judge Patrice Moore, Representative Darryl Rouson, School Board Member Rene’ Flowers, Jazmine Clarke and Gwendolyn Reese.
Saturday, January 17 — Join the City of Gulfport for their MLK Day of Service project from 8:30-1p.m., beginning at Tomlinson Lake Park (5492 Tangerine Ave. S.). Volunteer teams will then head out to lend a hand in a variety of community service projects. Upon completion, they will regroup at Tomlinson Lake Park for a closing ceremony and volunteer appreciation picnic.
Sunday, January 18 — ” Remembering the Powerful Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; Realizing There is More to Be Done” lecture series hosted by the St. Petersburg Interfaith Association is hosting a lecture series as a part of their MLK Day of Service project. Twenty-five speakers and four choirs will be present. The main speaker is Dr. Ray Arsenault, Professor at USF and author of “The Freedom Riders – 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice.” The fun begins at 4 pm at the Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E Church, 1045 16th St. S.,
Sunday, January 18 — 30th Annual MLK Drum Major for Justice National Battle of the Bands and Drum Line Extravaganza – Showtime starts at 4 p.m. at the Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive S. Featuring college and high school marching bands. Tickets: Gen. Adm. $10/advance; $12/gate; Premier VIP Area $15. Purchase at Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000; Tropicana Field Box Office; Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S.; Norvell Quick Market, 2930 18th Ave. S.; Looking Good Men’s Fashions in St. Pete, Tampa and Bradenton. More details: www.mlknationalparade.org
Sunday, January 18 — MLK Week Candlelight Vigil – Located at the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 9th Ave. S. from 5 to 7 p.m.
Monday, January 19 — 29th Annual MLK Leadership Awards Breakfast – Starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. Individual tickets, $25/advance; $30/door. Keynote speaker: Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III. Contact: National Council of Negro Women St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section, 727-896-6556 or visit www.mlkbreakfast-stpete.com.
Monday, January 19 — 30th Annual MLK Drum Major For Justice National Parade – Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Third Ave. S. and Dr. Martin Luther King St., proceeds north to Central Ave., east to Bayshore Drive NE, and north to Fifth Ave. NE, disbanding at Vinoy Park. Pick up parade entry applications at Enoch Davis Center, Campbell Park or Wildwood Recreation Centers or online atwww.mlknationalparade.org. Contact: 727-388-9494 or MLKholidaylegacy@gmail.com.
