History

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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."