Thousands of people across Central Florida gathered Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with parades and celebrations held in downtown Orlando and in Eatonville, the nation’s oldest incorporated Black municipality.Crowds lined the streets to remember the civil rights leader who helped inspire generations.“It’s very encouraging, motivating and very prideful,” said Victoria Musave, who attended the Eatonville parade. “It just encourages us to keep moving forward.”Antonio Oliveiery, who traveled from Deltona, said the day was a chance to reflect and celebrate. “I like to celebrate my Black heritage,” he said.In Eatonville, Mayor Angie Gardner led the parade and emphasized unity in a time she says is marked by division.“Look at the turnout. People are coming together. That’s what MLK was about,” Gardner said. “When we come together, let’s come together to unify, not to divide.”For some families, the celebration was also a first. Toddler attended his first MLK parade, learning the traditions from his parents — from waving to picking up candy along the route.“You’re kind of teaching him how to do a parade,” his father, Asante Rade, said. “Absolutely. Don’t go too far out. Make sure he’s not running. Wave until you get candy.”Rade said the day is about more than fun, especially for his son.“It’s the culture. You really want to get them involved,” he said. “Especially with him being bi-racial, you want him to get both sides of his family, so it’s extremely important to bring him to things like this.”More MLK Day events and celebrations are scheduled across Central Florida. A full list is available HERE.

EATONVILLE, Fla. —

Thousands of people across Central Florida gathered Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with parades and celebrations held in downtown Orlando and in Eatonville, the nation’s oldest incorporated Black municipality.

Crowds lined the streets to remember the civil rights leader who helped inspire generations.

“It’s very encouraging, motivating and very prideful,” said Victoria Musave, who attended the Eatonville parade. “It just encourages us to keep moving forward.”

Antonio Oliveiery, who traveled from Deltona, said the day was a chance to reflect and celebrate. “I like to celebrate my Black heritage,” he said.

In Eatonville, Mayor Angie Gardner led the parade and emphasized unity in a time she says is marked by division.

“Look at the turnout. People are coming together. That’s what MLK was about,” Gardner said. “When we come together, let’s come together to unify, not to divide.”

For some families, the celebration was also a first. Toddler attended his first MLK parade, learning the traditions from his parents — from waving to picking up candy along the route.

“You’re kind of teaching him how to do a parade,” his father, Asante Rade, said. “Absolutely. Don’t go too far out. Make sure he’s not running. Wave until you get candy.”

Rade said the day is about more than fun, especially for his son.

“It’s the culture. You really want to get them involved,” he said. “Especially with him being bi-racial, you want him to get both sides of his family, so it’s extremely important to bring him to things like this.”

More MLK Day events and celebrations are scheduled across Central Florida. A full list is available HERE.