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Jacksonville Reschedules MLK Holiday Grand Parade

Participants at the Jacksonville MLK Grand Parade celebrating diversity and community.

News Summary

Due to unexpected cold weather, Jacksonville’s 44th annual MLK Holiday Grand Parade has been rescheduled to February 17, 2025. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. from the EverBank Stadium Parking Lot J and will proceed to James Weldon Johnson Park. Parade organizers adjusted the route and schedule for public safety while keeping the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy at the forefront during Black History Month.

Jacksonville’s MLK Holiday Grand Parade Rescheduled for a Chilly February

Jacksonville is gearing up for a celebration of history and legacy, but it seems that Mother Nature had other plans in mind! The city’s beloved 44th annual MLK Holiday Grand Parade, originally set for earlier this month, has officially been postponed due to unexpected cold weather. In the spirit of keeping everyone warm and safe, the parade will now take place on February 17, 2025, a date that nicely aligns with Black History Month.

Mark Your Calendars!

So, if you were planning to join in on the festivities, make sure to clear your schedule for that exciting Monday morning. The parade is set to kick off at 10:30 a.m., starting from the EverBank Stadium Parking Lot J. With a slight adjustment to the route, participants will march their way towards the historic James Weldon Johnson Park, where the celebrations will continue into the day.

What Changed?

Originally, this year’s parade had a different game plan! The route was supposed to lead to the Lift Every Voice and Sing Park in LaVilla, with planned activities stretching out until 5:30 p.m.. However, following discussions with the city’s Special Events office, parade organizers decided to make the route “a bit truncated” for this year. The new plan aims to ensure a fantastic experience while also prioritizing public safety amid the chilly temperatures.

A Legacy Unfolds

Behind this splendid event is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation, which was established back in 1989 to honor Dr. King’s incredible legacy as well as the wider civil rights movement. This noteworthy foundation is not only behind the parade but also organizes various community events including the MLK Memorial Candlelight Vigil, the Juneteenth Freedom Walk, and the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant among others. This plethora of activities helps ensure that Dr. King’s message of equality, peace, and love continues to resonate through Jacksonville’s vibrant communities.

Join the Celebration

As the new parade date approaches, organizers are calling out to all registered participants to get ready to join the celebration in honor of Dr. King and the essential story of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect, remember, and rejoice in the strides made toward equality and justice.

Need More Information?

If you’re looking for additional details regarding the parade, it’s easy to get in touch! Curious minds can call at 904-240-1523 or shoot an email to mlkfdnorg@yahoo.com for any information you might need. Keep the spirit of unity and remembrance alive as we approach this significant event in our city!

So, let’s bundle up, gather our friends and family, and prepare to take to the streets of Jacksonville to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on February 17, 2025. It’s going to be a memorable day filled with joy, culture, and a sense of community as we honor the strides made for civil rights. See you there!