With an eye to the future, city commissioners on Wednesday night heard from a wide range of young people, telling them the kind of city they want Gainesville to become.
For several hours, commissioners listened to students ranging in age from 15 to 30, including those in middle school up to the university level.
Mayor Lauren Poe told those at the hearing that the outcomes of decisions made now by commissioners may not be seen until years after they are out of office, “for better or worse.”
He said that’s why it is so important to hear from young people now to give input to “make a community that you want to live in when you are our age and when you are raising families and enjoying your career and living your life, hopefully your best life.”
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.
No MLK Monday March, but Martin Luther King Jr. Commission hosts National Holiday events all week long
The King Commission celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day all week January 19, 2021 | 10:35am EST Ryan Hope Travis helps his 2-year-old son, Rezen Hope Travis, climb a fence at the King Celebration at Citizens Field on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. Ryan Hope Travis said it was the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Rezen was old enough to understand. “Him knowing his history is the foundation of him being able to grow,” he said. Photo by Chasity Maynard | The Independent Florida Alligator
The Martin Luther King Jr. Commission hosted King Celebration week in Gainesville once again. But this year, th
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.