MIAMI (WSVN) - Exactly 50 years to the day of his assassination, South Florida is remembering civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. with memorials and ceremonies.
Several gospel superstars performed at a concert at Athalie Range Park to honor King, and other events across South Florida were organized to remember him, Wednesday.
The Rev. Shirley Caesar brought down the house at the annual gospel concert. A candlelight memorial was also held to commemorate 50 years since King’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.
The program began with a procession which pushed for an end to gun violence.
Decades later, Dr. King’s words remained just as powerful as they did when he delivered them in Washington, D.C.
Local leaders also stressed the importance of following in King’s footsteps.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can drive out darkness,” said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
This gathering was just one event out of many where King was remembered in South Florida.
The Black Affairs Advisory Board hosted a remembrance ceremony in Downtown Miami, which had attendees from local clergy, activists and local leaders.
During the event, locals reflected on King’s legacy and his actions which helped change the world. However, organizers also focused on the remaining work that needs to be done.
“Fifty years after the death of Dr. King, you still have unarmed African Americans killed by police,” said Stephen Hunter Johnson of the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board. “You still have vast economic disparities. You still have educational disparities in our public schools that we’re still fighting to this day. So while he laid down his life to take a step forward for all America, we are still fighting for that simple equality that is enjoyed by some Americans but not all Americans.”
The Roots Collective and the Dream Defenders organized a caravan of 60 cars, Wednesday. The funeral procession left from Fort Lauderdale and headed south to the big Reclaim The Dream Ceremony.
“We’re going to use it as an opportunity to look back, but also look forward,” said Phillip Agnew with the Dream Defenders.
Meanwhile in Miami, good music also came with a powerful message. “He gave his life fighting for freedom,” said a speaker. “Justice and equality for our people.”
The event was part of the Reclaim The Dream campaign, which is aimed at revitalizing MLK Boulevard and providing college scholarships.
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