Parades, Cultural Fests Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Several South Florida cities will celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many are asking volunteers to take part in a day of service while others will be hosting parades and events in Dr. King's honor.

In Fort Lauderdale, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade got underway at 9 a.m. at Sistrunk Boulevard and NW 19th Avenue.

Those lining the parade route said Dr. King provided inspiration and his legacy lives on.

"Living your best life because Dr. King left a legacy and he paved the way for us to have a lot of what we have now," said Renee Brown.

"He was what unity is all about, we should come together as one, as a whole, strength comes in numbers," said Jason Martin.

After the parade, there was the MLK Unity Celebration and Multicultural Festival at Esplanade Park which featured live entertainment and family activities. The messages of Dr. King's life resonated loudly with those in the crowd.

"He was a good person for the community, he didn't want racists, he wanted racism to stop," said William Graham.

From African-American sororities to members of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence, they say work still needs to be done to achieve Dr. King's 'dream'.

"What he left behind for us and to try to continue to that, peace, stopping all the violence and trying to do positive things for our community, especially for black people," Davonte Brown, a member of the National Achiever's Society.

"Times have changed and we're actually being closer now and we're just spreading love with everyone," said Dayana Leiva.

The City of Plantation hosted its 1st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the Jim Ward Community Center, 301 NW 46th Ave. The celebration included musical performances, inspirational speeches, delicious food, family activities

One of South Florida's biggest events is in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood where the 43rd annual MLK Holiday Parade and Family Festival is held.

The parade featured local high school marching bands, dance and drill teams, and more.

The parade kicked off at NW 10th Avenue and 54th Street and ended eight miles later at MLK Memorial Park, 6000 NW 32nd Court, where the family fun fest is held.

Miami Gardens is hosting the Rock the Vote Empowerment Rally, presented by Mayor Oliver Gilbert, at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th Street. The family-friendly day of service will be packed full of performances, panel discussions, vendors, employment resources, food and more.