Dr. Martin Luther King promoted unity, service and progress.
Taking a moment to reflect on how far society has come since the civil rights leader’s death in 1968, and aiming to ensure 2026 reflects selfless service for the benefit of diverse communities, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) of Leesburg Inc. will host an MLK Day of Remembrance.
The nonprofit organization in Leesburg has hosted community events for 16 years to keep King’s legacy, and dream, alive.
On Saturday, three events will honor King, including the CommUnity Breakfast Celebration, the MLKCC Community Parade and Soulfest 2026.
Dr. Monique Griffin-Gay, committee chair of the MLKCC of Leesburg, said the days’ events are designed to promote King’s message of hope, justice and equality.
“Our goal is to honor the legacy and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Griffin-Gay said. “We will also highlight individuals in our community who are embodying his beliefs and are doing the work to continue his actions. We will bring the community together, spread love, honor and peace, and look out for the community.”
The all-day celebration will kick off with the free CommUnity Breafast at 8 a.m. at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, which will include a community award and acknowledgement ceremony.
After breakfast, participants can make their way to Main Street in Leesburg for the MLKCC Community Parade at 11 a.m. — with the line up beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The parade will feature decorated floats created by youth groups and local organizations including the Sophisticated Gents of Florida, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Lake Sumter Marion Counties Section, The Villages Twirlers, Lake County Democratic Party, Miss Leesburg winners, the Leesburg Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. There also will be live music from bands including O’Gilvie Trio and Shay Butter Band.
The fourth annual Soulfest will follow the parade from noon to 6 p.m. on the City Hall lawn, 501 West Meadow St., Leesburg.
Presented by Artist with a Purpose in partnership with YoungLake Co., Soulfest 2026 will feature live music from Fish N Grits band, line dancing, art and vendors.
Semeion Richardson, owner of Artist with a Purpose, said Soulfest promotes fellowship and community by bringing people together, supporting local businesses and acknowledge the city’s rich Black history that dates back to the 1850s.
“We have deep roots here,” Richardson said. “The goal is to bring the diversity together. We can create a movement by bringing the community together. My goal is to continue the tradition that was started and pass it down to the next generation.”
Miguel Larsen, special events coordinator for the City of Leesburg, said the events such as these “serve as a reminder for how far we have come in our small but steadily growing community.”
Paying tribute to traditions set by King — including giving iconic speeches and making meaningful change with community marches — the City of Wildwood also will honor King’s legacy with an afternoon of activities on Saturday.
The day of community reflection will begin at noon with a community walk that starts at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 101 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, and end at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 600 Walker Road, Wildwood.
The 1.1-mile walk will lead into the afternoon celebration at the park from 1 to 4 p.m.
Along with a reading of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech by Minister Dwayne Barron, the event will include a speech from the Rev. Shawn Andrews, who will speak about Dr. King’s legacy.
The celebration will feature a scavenger hunt, raffle and prizes including a TV, a Nintendo Switch and a bounce house. Food trucks, including Sweet and Savory Grill and Tart Temptations, also will be available.
Jill Boyar, recreation specialist for the City of Wildwood, said the event will teach participants about resources available from local business and nonprofit organizations, including Habitat For Humanity Lake-Sumter, and scholarship opportunities for students.
“Wildwood is a very diverse community and we are right next to Royal,” Boyar said. “It is important to recognize what those who came before us and Dr. King fought for. It’s important to see and recognize the progress.”
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
