Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a day of service. The local church honored King and his legacy by making a difference in the community.
Clean-up Drive
In a report with WESH, the city's Martin Luther Jr. Commission organized the clean-up drive.
The group gathered volunteers to help clean up Lake Fran. More than 60 volunteers showed up to help clean the surrounding area.
Church members also assisted in clearing the trails in the area surrounding it. Snacks and water were also given to the volunteers.
No Day Off
Marcia Hope Goodwin told Fox News that the holiday was not a day off for volunteers. Many turned up to show their support for the event.
Goodwin reportedly works for the City of Orlando.
She explained that their goal was to keep King's legacy alive through acts of service. The event aimed to promote peace and equality.
Goodwin said that King was a man of courage who stood up for what he believed in.
She told the news outlet that the civil rights icon fought for equality and inclusion. Both social issues are what many people continue to fight for.
Goodwin added that these acts of service for the community were a way of remembering King for generations to come.
Keeping Legacy Alive
Mayor Buddy Dyer added that this holiday was a day of serving one's community through acts of service. It was their way of keeping the legacy of King and what he sacrificed alive in their hearts.
Luke Bitikofer was one of the church members who rolled up his sleeves to help. He said he was more than happy to join other church staff in helping the community.
Arthur Kennedy Breakfast
In a report with Orlando Sentinel, this year's MLK Day took place on Monday, Jan. 17. People from Central Florida gathered to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader.
One of the main events that the city celebrates every year is the Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy Prayer Breakfast.
According to the news outlet, it is an annual tradition that commemorates the lives of King and Kennedy.
Kennedy was the city's first African-American council member.
The Orlando Sentinel said that Dr. Vikki Johnson is this year's keynote speaker. The event took place online for the second time this year due to the pandemic.
Mayor Dyer encouraged his constituents to continue living up to the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr.
He admitted that the community still had a long way to go. The mayor believed that the civil rights leader would be proud of their city.
Events this year were a mixture of in-person and virtual.
Cancelled Events
Click Orlando reported that organizers cancelled the parade due to concerns of COVID-19. They also urged participants to take safety measures when celebrating the holiday.
In 2021, many of the events were either canceled or held online to practice a safe observance of the holiday.
A candlelight vigil took place on Sunday, Jan. 9. Participants walked from Orlando City Hall to the First United Methodist Church of Orlando for an interfaith celebration.
More from Crossmap: Pastor shares how Martin Luther King Jr. inspired him to serve ministry
