Celebrating the legacy of Dr. King

You may recall that in the 1980’s, there was controversy over whether to have a holiday honoring the late Martin Luther King, Jr. In retrospect it is even tougher to understand the debate. In Manatee and Sarasota counties, the celebration of the birth, life and works of Dr. King has evolved into one of the most successful annual examples of unity that we experience in this area.
A favorite event of mine is the Palmetto Youth Center banquet that took place on Friday, January 18. This dinner inside the gymnasium allows several hundred people to join together to celebrate the good works of people who strive to create a true sense of community. Each year we also get to hear local students deliver their winning speeches on topics related to the life of the civil rights icon. The question posed this year was “Has the Dream Been Realized.” The audience fell quiet as we listened to the litany of progress accomplished and gains yet to be made.
On Saturday I was privileged to participate in one of the largest parades south of the Skyway Bridge. Hundreds of parade participants entertained thousands of spectators who lined the streets of Palmetto. I walked with the Manatee Democratic Executive Committee float, handing out small American flags, while the Reverend Charles McKenzie urged everyone to register and vote. Bands, politicians and floats proceeded at a brisk pace and I found myself running to keep up with the crew.
I couldn’t stay for the talent show at the Youth Center because it was time to go to candidate training in Sarasota. Running a campaign involves planning, fundraising and budgeting, all the while making sure you do not run afoul of the myriad of election laws. I had hoped to return to Manatee County to campaign at the Fair but I grew discouraged when the severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued. So instead I attended the unity service at St. Martha’s Catholic church in downtown Sarasota. I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, served as an alter boy for many years, and attended Catholic boarding school in Colorado from the 9th through the 12th grades. One thing I had never seen before was an African American Baptist gospel choir perform at a Mass. The talented singers from the True Vine Baptist Church in Sarasota had the full congregation clapping, swaying and singing along.
It is hard to believe the weekend isn’t even half over. I am off to march in the Sarasota parade this chilly Sunday afternoon as we proceed from city hall to the MLK Park. On Monday Regina and I will attend the annual King day breakfast in Sarasota. From there I will head back to Lincoln Park in Palmetto, before finishing the day in Sarasota at the park. And this Friday night, which is also Regina’s birthday, we will be honored to hear Dr. Kings daughter, the Reverend Bernice King, at the Front Porch banquet. I thank everyone who has come together in the spirit of unity and justice to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.