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St. Pete’s MLK Dream Big Weekend kicks off Friday

Ashley Morales

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The City of St. Petersburg’s 38th annual MLK Dream Big Celebration kicks off this Friday, culminating in a parade Monday, Jan. 20. Photos: City of St. Petersburg.

Monday, Jan. 20 marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and people across the country plan to gather in celebration and remembrance of the life of the civil rights icon. In St. Pete, a weekend-long roster of events kicks off this Friday, culminating in the longest-running parade in America celebrating King.

The four-day celebration kicks off Friday with an MLK Dream Big Banquet at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. Sunday, an MLK Band Showcase brings marching bands from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Gibbs High School, where families can watch them perform and discuss scholarship opportunities with band directors. The parade follows Monday.

This 38th year of the city’s MLK Dream Big Celebration has a few notable highlights, including the return of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) “Marching 100,” one of the oldest and most awarded HBCU marching bands. St. Pete’s first Black fire chief, Keith Watts, is the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade.

“I am deeply humbled to be to serve as Grand Marshal for this parade celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. Dr. King taught us the importance of justice and equality for all, and serving a purpose that was bigger than ourselves,” Watts said in a prepared statement. “This honor is a testament to the incredible team I lead and the community we serve, as we work together to embody the values of justice, equity, and progress.”

The annual MLK Dream Big Celebration parade features floats, marching bands and cultural performances in a route that travels through downtown St. Petersburg and ends at Tropicana Field.

“We compete with so many other cities to get the FAMU Marching Rattlers here, so we’re thrilled that we have them this year,” said Carl Lavender, Chief Equity Officer for the City of St. Petersburg. “We’re also increasing the number of faith leaders and interfaith organizations walking in the parade, and the number of young people involved.”

In addition to celebrating King’s vision of justice, equality and progress, Lavender said including the younger generation in the city’s MLK Dream Big Celebration is a strategic move to ensure the future of St. Pete as a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community.

“In the midst of so many things happening on social media and all of the challenges that young people go through in this day and age, to gather together and celebrate legacy, values and the men and women who have worked so hard in their lives for their achievements, like our Grand Marshal Chief Watts – it provides inspiration,” he said.

In addition to the FAMU Marching 100, this year’s parade features performances from Tuskegee University, Savannah State University, Albany State University and others.

“MLK Weekend in St. Pete is always a special time for our city as we come together to celebrate Dr. King’s vision of unity, equality, and service,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch in a prepared statement. “This year’s events truly embody his dream, bringing our community together in an even bigger and better way. We are living Dr. King’s legacy, and I can’t wait to see us shine during our MLK Celebrations.”

Lavender added that the event comes after an especially challenging time for the city and its residents, offering a reprieve and a way to transition into a more positive 2025.

“We’ve gone through so much with three back-to-back storms,” Lavender added. “This is a time to celebrate. Let’s walk, let’s dance, let’s have a good time and join hands together to say, ‘We are St. Pete.’”

The parade is free and open to the public, but tickets are required for the Friday banquet and Sunday band showcase. More information is available online at mlkdreambig.com.

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