The City of Sanford Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc. is proud to present the 37th Annual Celebration and Memorial Observance. This year’s theme is “Rise Up.” We invite you to join us in celebrating the next generation of leaders. We believe that the young leaders of today will play a crucial role in shaping the world we live in tomorrow. During the King holiday weekend, we will host the following four days of events and we would like your support in helping us to continue to keep the dream alive.

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Your sponsorship and support will enable the MLK Celebration Steering Committee to keep the dream alive through four days of celebration, reflection, and service with the following

activities:

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Oratorical Contest & Scholarship Fund

January 12, 2024 – The oratorical contest will be held at the Seminole State College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773 at 6:00 PM. Eligible candidates are local high school seniors. They are required to write a speech on selected topics on Dr. King and conduct an oral presentation in front of a panel of local community leaders and educators. Scholarships will be awarded to first, second, and third-place winners in the name of the following individuals:

• Joy Eva Lawson Williams (deceased) former MLK Scholarship Committee Chairperson

• Former Sanford Mayor Bettye D. Smith (creator – Dr. MLK, Jr. Committee)

• Doris Thomas (deceased), former Seminole County Educator

Commemorative Banquet

January 13, 2024 – The banquet will be held at 6:00 PM at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 East Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32771.

Interfaith Service

January 14, 2024 – The interfaith service will be held at 3:00 PM at New Life Word Center, 1311 South Oak Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771.

Parade & Festival in the Park

January 15, 2024 – The parade will start at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Historical Goldsboro Blvd. and Persimmon Ave and proceed east to Holly Ave. The Community Day event will begin immediately following the parade on the event grounds of the Sanford Civic Center, 401 East Seminole Blvd., Sanford, FL 32771 near the beautiful shores of Lake Monroe.