
Don’t forget that Monday, Jan. 20, is a federal, state and local holiday, and that means a break in business as usual.
Government offices, schools, banks, credit unions and U.S. financial markets will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. There will be no regular mail deliveries on that day. Several professional offices will also be closed, as well.
Dr. King was actually born Jan. 15, 1929, but the holiday honoring him and his advancements in civil rights and racial equality is set for the third Monday in January each year.
The MLK holiday this year coincides with Inauguration Day. Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office at noon Jan. 20 to become the 47th president of the United States.
Below is a list of events from our calendar.
Saturday, Jan. 18
MLK Celebration Gala & Awards Banquet
5:30 p.m. doors open at the Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center, 815 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand. 6 p.m. program begins with a keynote address by Stetson University’s chaplain, the Rev. Todd Campbell. The MLK Chairman’s Award goes to Dr. Patrick Coggins; the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Elected to Serve Award goes to Genesis Robinson; the Mike Williams Community Pillar Award goes to Pastor Mark Sharade; the Electralytes Charity Club Volunteer Organization Award goes to Voloria Manning; the David Staples Education is Key Award goes to Al Bouie; the Theodore W. Small Justice is Blind Award goes to Sundria Ridgley; and the Andrew J. Randolph, M.D., Community Medicine Award goes to Dr. Rajiv Bahl. Formal attire. Tickets: $50; visit https://mlkdeland.com. Free for Stetson students, faculty and staff, although seating is limited and tickets are required. Register at http://www.stetson.edu/mlk.
Sunday, Jan. 19
‘Celebrate the Man! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’
11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. A fun, educational and inspiring event honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Enjoy bounce houses, face painting, sweets, vendors, exciting shows, and more. Free and open to the public.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon Celebration
2:30 p.m. at The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr. Martin Luther KIng Blvd. Hosted by the Deltona DreamKeepers and the African American Association of Deltona. Theme: “Keeping the Dream Alive – Through Diversity and Inclusion.” The guest speaker will be Dr. William Bradley Jr., founder and pastor of New Hope Church in Deltona. Tickets: $25. A table seats eight people. Tickets must be purchased in advance; call Mike Williams at 386-804-6136.
Unity Worship Service & Concert
4 p.m. at City Sanctuary Church, 401 E. Taylor Road, DeLand.
Featuring the MLK Celebration Choir under the direction of Dr. Andre Darby, with special guest national recording artist Lisa Page Brooks. Community-service award-winners include Lt. Col. Milton D. Corley Service to Freedom Award – Sgt. 1st Class Curtis G. Andrews Jr.; J.E. Cusack Community Entrepreneur Award – Darcell Ashley; AAM Maxwell & Irene Johnson Arts is Cultural Award – Kevin Campbell; Concerned Clergy Coalition Choice Award – Bishop Henry James; Judith Thompson Keeping Hope Alive Award – Daisy Grimes; and Bo Davenport Straight Outta Spring Hill Award – Officer Javon Kelly. Free.
Monday, Jan. 20
MLK Unity March
10:30 a.m. Participants will meet at the Museum of Art – DeLand, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., leaving at 10:45 a.m. and traveling through Downtown DeLand to Earl Brown Park (approximately 1 mile away). Join hundreds of local community members in the annual MLK Unity March, coordinated by the MLK DeLand Planning Committee. Participants are encouraged to bring banners and signs that reflect their commitment to Dr. King’s vision of economic and racial justice. Free.
MLK Festival
Noon-5 p.m. at Earl Brown Park, 751 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand. Featuring family-friendly live performances, local business and nonprofit activity booths, food trucks and more. Free.