The decadeslong tradition of celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. will continue in Royal, a historic Black community in Wildwood, with its 41st annual MLK Jr. event organized by the Young Performing Artists (YPAs).
“Royal has been celebrating MLK Day annually since 1984, after President Ronald Reagan signed the King holiday bill into law on Nov. 2, 1983,” said Beverly Steele, founder of the YPAs.
A 1-mile parade through the community’s county roads will kick off the celebration 10 a.m. Monday. The day will include live music and soul food vendors.
The Sophisticated Gents of Florida, a cultural club for Black men in The Villages and surrounding communities, has participated in the event for many years. Members this year will provide rides for dignitaries scheduled to take part in the celebration. In previous years, the group has also led the march.
, incoming vice president for The Sophisticated Gents of Florida, said the organization supports the community by exemplifying success.
“We want to give students a chance to be successful by allowing them to see and identify success,” Wethington said. “We are standing on the shoulders of giants like King. We have the ability to dream big in America, but we have to keep working to be equipped with a great education to become something.”
Following the parade, Evangelist Janice Berry Rivers will speak at the Young Performing Artists (YPAs) Enrichment and Historical Center at Royal Park, 9569 County Road 235, Wildwood.
Shaun Wethington, president of the National Council of Negro Women – Lake, Sumter and Marion County Section, said the nonprofit organization that was originally founded by educator and civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune wants to help bring positive change to the community.
“At the parade, we will bring awareness that the organization is here,” said Shaun, who is also the wife of Shawn Wethington. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune wanted to establish peace and social justice for the nation. We are standing on the shoulders of two great people who wanted to bring the Black community together.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the outside event. It also will be livestreamed at Facebook.com/youngperformingartistsinc.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
