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."
Ed Haynes is a distinguished servant-leader whose life’s work embodies decades of commitment to public safety, justice, and the advancement of humanity. A former United States Marine and veteran Law Enforcement Officer and Instructor, Ed has devoted more than 35 years to protecting communities, mentoring professionals, and upholding the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and service.
Throughout his career, Ed has provided security leadership and strategic guidance across diverse environments, bringing a global perspective rooted in experience, accountability, and respect for human dignity. As Vice President of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, he continues to lead with purpose—supporting initiatives that honor Dr. King’s legacy, promote unity, and ensure the safety and well-being of communities locally and beyond.
Cheryal White is a trusted leader and cornerstone of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, bringing over 40 years of dedicated service to the organization. As Director of Vendor Coordination, she oversees vendor operations, logistics, and compliance, ensuring a safe, organized, and inclusive experience for participants, small businesses, and community partners.
Her deep institutional knowledge and longstanding relationships have helped sustain the Parade’s growth as the largest and longest-running MLK parade in the world. Cheryal’s commitment to excellence, fairness, and community empowerment continues to play a vital role in supporting economic opportunity and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through service and celebration.
Carmen Glass is a dedicated leader and long-serving supporter of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee. She brings a strong commitment to community service, organization, and collaboration, helping ensure the Parade and its related events operate smoothly and inclusively.
Through her work, Carmen supports coordination efforts that strengthen relationships with community partners, volunteers, and stakeholders. Her professionalism, reliability, and passion for service contribute meaningfully to advancing Dr. King’s legacy and sustaining one of the nation’s most impactful cultural and civic celebrations.
Marlon Kelly is a dedicated director with a strong commitment to operational excellence and community service within the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee. He supports planning, coordination, and on-the-ground execution to ensure events run safely and efficiently. Marlon’s steady leadership and collaborative approach help strengthen volunteer engagement and uphold the Parade’s mission of unity and civic pride.
Von Carol Kinchens-Williams is a community-focused director known for her dedication to inclusion, organization, and service. She plays a key role in supporting outreach, coordination, and internal collaboration for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee. Her attention to detail and passion for community empowerment help ensure the Parade reflects the values and legacy of Dr. King.
Tony Williams serves as a director with a focus on strategic support, teamwork, and operational continuity. He contributes to planning and coordination efforts that help deliver a successful and impactful Parade experience for participants and attendees. Tony’s leadership emphasizes accountability, cooperation, and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision through service.
Joseph Simmons is a director committed to advancing community engagement and organizational support for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee. He assists with coordination and implementation efforts that strengthen partnerships and enhance the Parade’s overall execution. Joseph’s service-driven mindset supports the Committee’s mission to celebrate legacy, unity, and collective progress.
Kildare Berry is a committed director who brings reliability, collaboration, and a strong sense of service to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee. He supports planning, coordination, and execution efforts that help ensure the Parade operates smoothly and reflects the values of unity, respect, and community empowerment.
Through his leadership, Kildare contributes to strengthening internal operations and supporting the teams and volunteers who make the Parade possible. His dedication and service-oriented approach play an important role in advancing Dr. King’s legacy through meaningful community celebration.
Dr. Candyce Martin is a servant-leader with a lifelong commitment to community service, humanitarian advocacy, and strategic communications. She graduated at 16 years old and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17, building an early foundation of discipline and leadership. Dr. Martin was also part of the production team for Sesame Street, contributing to one of the world’s most influential educational media platforms.
A seasoned communications executive trainer, she brings expertise in leadership development, public engagement, and organizational messaging. As a Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, Dr. Martin supports strategic planning, volunteer coordination, and community partnerships. She also serves as a long-standing Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Coordinator, helping ensure underserved children experience dignity and joy during the holidays.
Andron Martin is a technologist, executive leader, and community innovator advancing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through technology and service. As a Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festivities Committee, he created the world’s first MLK Parade App, transforming the largest and longest-running MLK parade into a year-round digital ecosystem for community engagement, economic inclusion, and civic access.
He also serves as Executive Secretary of Sovereign Capital Advisers, a Delaware-registered investment adviser, where he supports strategic operations, technology integration, and organizational governance. An AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and modern app developer, Martin builds scalable, community-centered solutions with both national and global reach.

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.
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.
Throughout its history, the parade has featured:
Year after year, these participants transform NW 54th Street into a vibrant tapestry of sound, movement, and color.
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:
This festival extends the spirit of the parade into an immersive community celebration rooted in culture, empowerment, and joy.
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:
We remain devoted to ensuring that Dr. King’s message is not only remembered—but lived.
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.
MLK Parade And Festivities
Email: committee@mlkparadeandfestivities.org
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Join us for an elegant evening celebrating legacy, leadership, and the power of mentorship. Together, we honor the dream by investing in the next generation and uplifting our community through purpose, unity, and service.
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