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The words of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I have a dream” speech echoed throughout Citizens Field Monday as people gathered in the stands for the King Celebration 2021 National Holiday Kickoff.
The event, held by the MLK Commission of Florida Inc., recognized the life and activism of King, as well as local leaders and activists and a musical performance by the Florida Fellowship Gospel Super Choir.
Community leaders took the stage to honor the late minister and activist, including District 20 state Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr., County Commissioner Ken Cornell, interim schools Superintendent Carlee Simon, Alachua County School Board member Dionne McGraw and Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon, among others.
A free, masks-required event begins at noon at Citizens Field, 1400 NE Eighth Ave. in Gainesville.
There will be speakers and later in the afternoon, gospel performances by Canton Jones and the Florida Fellowship Super Choir.
Community activist Aeriel Lane will be celebrated for her work. She is the winner of the 2021 Hall of Fame Award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Florida Inc., a local nonprofit organization.
And Taylor Hill-Miles, an Eastside High School senior and the recipient of the 2021 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award, will also be celebrated.
Rodney Long, the commission s founder, said Lane is committed to racial, economic empowerment and social justice.