History
Our History
Honoring the Legacy. Celebrating the Journey.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, Inc. has proudly served the Miami community for nearly five decades, carrying forward a tradition rooted in unity, cultural pride, and the enduring message of Dr. King. What began as a local march honoring Dr. King’s birthday has grown into the largest MLK Parade in the nation, attracting tens of thousands of spectators and more than 2 million viewers through televised and digital media.
A People’s Parade
The Miami MLK Parade was established in 1977 by community leaders who believed Dr. King’s dream must be preserved, protected, and celebrated in the heart of Liberty City—a neighborhood central to Miami’s civil rights movement. The parade was born from a desire to create a space where families, churches, youth groups, and civic organizations could gather in unity and celebrate the principles Dr. King championed: justice, equity, education, and nonviolent change.
Located along NW 54th Street, the parade follows a historic route Dr. King once traveled while visiting Miami. Over time, it became a beloved community tradition—a place where culture, music, and community pride converge.
A Tradition of Unity and Celebration
Throughout its history, the parade has featured:
- Marching bands from Miami-Dade and Broward schools
- Youth dance teams and majorettes
- Civic leaders and elected officials
- Local businesses and cultural organizations
- Veterans, first responders, and community heroes
- International performers, including the Universoul Circus
- Family-friendly attractions and community resource booths
Year after year, these participants transform NW 54th Street into a vibrant tapestry of sound, movement, and color.
Growing Impact & National Visibility
As Miami grew, so did the parade. Expanded partnerships and media coverage have allowed the event to reach record audiences. Today, the parade is covered live by WPLG Channel 10 for a full two hours, with pre- and post-event coverage amplifying its reach throughout South Florida.
The addition of the MLK Family Festival created a full-day celebration at Martin Luther King Memorial Park, showcasing:
- Live performances
- Cultural arts and storytelling
- Local vendors and artisans
- Youth activities
- Community resource fairs
This festival extends the spirit of the parade into an immersive community celebration rooted in culture, empowerment, and joy.
Commitment to Dr. King’s Vision
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, Inc., formed in 1985, continues to guide this historic event with unwavering commitment to Dr. King’s core mission: uplifting communities through love, education, economic empowerment, and justice.
Our work goes beyond parade day.
The Committee leads:
- Youth leadership and mentorship programs
- Economic empowerment initiatives
- Arts & cultural preservation efforts
- Community unity summits
- Educational forums inspired by Dr. King’s teachings
We remain devoted to ensuring that Dr. King’s message is not only remembered—but lived.
Passing the Torch
Each January, the Miami community gathers to celebrate progress, honor our shared history, and uplift the next generation of leaders. The parade stands as a reminder that Dr. King’s legacy belongs to all of us—and that together, we carry the torch of justice, hope, and unity into the future.
Ladi G. Jenkins
Ladi Jenkins, a graceful catalyst for positive change within Miami's Black community, stands as a living embodiment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for virtuous, non-violent transformation and inspiration to eradicate the pervasive issues of poverty, racism, and violence. As the President of The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, she has carried the torch since the passing of its founder, Dr. Preston Marshall.
Ladi, alongside Dr. Marshall, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the inaugural MLK parade in 1977—eight years before it achieved national holiday status. Over the span of 48 years, she has dedicated herself fervently to collaborating with community leaders and organizations.This festival not only celebrates a diverse culture but also showcases arts programming and entertainment experiences that promote civic pride and foster a commitment to cultural education, growth, and development.
Ladi's strengths and acumen for building robust relationships across South Florida are rooted in her extensive business experiences, spanning social and economic outreach, counseling, decision information research, human resources management, and client services. In the late 1970s, she ventured into entrepreneurship, founding and directing the Ladi Jenkins Preschool Academy & Golden Slippers Tech childcare services.
This establishment provided exemplary childcare to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years from low-income families. Ladi Jenkins offered a comprehensive suite of services encompassing transportation, fleet services, and a dedicated shelter and foster home initiative.
For over a decade, Ladi collaborated with state and local agencies to develop successful learning center curriculums, empowering HRS Social Workers and clients with programs focused on assertiveness training, anger management, and negotiation skills development. Her expertise extended to designing responsive training modules for case management skills, workshop planning, and coordination. Ladi's unique ability to build coalitions has consistently achieved lofty goals.
When asked about her unwavering dedication to the service of others, Ladi, also an ordained minister, humbly responds, "The Bible teaches us that we are blessed to be a blessing. Dr. King paid the ultimate price for his service. Those of us who are here must find our voice and expend the time to advocate for those who have yet to grasp their individual value and potential. We must work to anchor Dr. King's dream for freedom, justice, and equality for all people. Today, more than ever, our fragmented world needs this love and hope."