St. Petersburg honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, people from across the country gather in celebration and remembrance of the life of the Civil Rights icon who nonviolently protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.

The campaign to adopt a holiday in Dr. King’s honor began in earnest following his assassination in 1968, although it would not become a federal holiday until President Ronald Reagan finally signed it into law in 1983. America officially observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the first time in 1986.

Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is Jan. 15. However, in keeping with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of January. While some cities and states resisted recognizing the holiday – South Carolina was the last, adopting it in 2000 – St. Petersburg has officially honored King since the holiday’s inception in 1986.

This year marks the 36^th annual celebration for the city, which also boasts the nation’s longest-running MLK Day parade. Here are what some of St. Pete’s leaders are saying in remembrance of King, starting with the city’s recently elected first Black mayor, Ken Welch.

Excited to be participating in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade this morning through downtown St. Pete! #WeAreStPete and we #DreamBig. pic.twitter.com/19Mu8wvuy6

— Ken Welch (@MayorKenWelch) January 17, 2022

Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders posted a video from the parade, saying it was an honor to be part of the longstanding tradition.

The Carter G. Woodson African American Museum shared a message from Coretta Scott King asking people to celebrate her late husband by committing acts of kindness and service.

State Senator Darryl Rouson said lawmakers should honor King’s legacy by prioritizing the community’s needs.

Congressman Charlie Crist used the holiday to stand up in defense of voting rights.

Celebrating #MLKDay alongside my fellow Floridians who stand strong against the forces of injustice. We will not allow politicians to rob us of our voice nor our vote – not now, not ever. pic.twitter.com/6NyKZIpdzU

— Congressman Charlie Crist (@RepCharlieCrist) January 17, 2022

The Tampa Bay Rays organization said the holiday is about remembering King’s vision and commitment to change society for the better, both today and every day. In a separate post, the team announced the opening of the 2022 Racial Equity Grants.

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today and every day for his vision and commitment to change our society for the better. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/DyJU7BLoAB

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) January 17, 2022

In celebration of the life and legacy of MLK, we’re proud to announce the opening of our 2022 Racial Equity Grant

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) January 17, 2022

Reverend J.C. Pritchett of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance shared a powerful quote by King, espousing the need for people to speak up in defense of what is right.

St. Petersburg City Council Chair Gina Driscoll reminded people to lead with light and love.

Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

“You can kill the dreamer,” he once said. “But you can’t kill the dream.”