OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of every January, close to his birthday on Jan. 15, 1929. This year, the commemorative day will be held on Jan. 19, 2026, honoring his legacy and role in the Civil Rights Movement. Every year, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, Inc. invites guests to join them for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, kicking off a weekend of remembrance.
This year’s theme is Mission Possible: Uniting the Nation, Building a Future the Nonviolent Way, following its 2025 theme of Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365. Celebrations have been taking place since the beginning of January; however, this weekend will semi-officially kick off with the prayer breakfast on Jan. 17 starting at 9 a.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place,1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala. The celebration will then move to Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 500 SW MLK Jr. Ave., Ocala, for the Wreath Ceremony where the community, along with the Ocala Police Department, will come together to lay the wreath to pay respect to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at noon.
Guests can then return to the Mary Sue Rich Community Center for the Youth Day starting at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this event where children participate in health and wellness, personal development and music and art activities. During health and wellness, youth will participate in Court Skills Academy where they can play basketball and volleyball; Body Mechanics: Training with a Purpose; and The Art of Healthy Living. The personal development section will feature Polished and Poised: Style and Etiquette; Cyber Security and Social Media; and Your Future After High School. Then, they can participate in an artistry workshop, featuring face painting and line dancing.
The celebration will continue the next day, Sunday, Jan. 18 when Ecumenical Services will take place New St. John Baptist Church, 2251 NW 2nd St., Ocala, starting at 6 p.m. with Rev. Mike James. The final day on Monday, Jan. 19 will host the Historic March. The lineup will begin downtown at 8 a.m. before the march begins at 9 a.m. Transportation will be available from 7-8 a.m. at the MLK Racquetball Court.
After the march concludes, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a day in the park at Webb Field at MLK Recreation Complex, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The day in the park will feature a live performance by Cupid, a well-known line dancer. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and their best dance movies for an afternoon of dancing, culture and celebration.
For ways to support the community, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, Inc. will be hosting a drop-off MLK Backpack & School Supply Drive at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center on Friday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Anyone can donate backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens and school supplies of all kinds.
Learn more about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, their upcoming MLK events and get updates from their Facebook here.
