CENTRAL FLORIDA CELEBRATES DR. MARTIN LITHER KING/OUR HISTORY IS AMERICA’S HISTORY

Dana Mackey, President of the Southwest Jaycee’s, Rosene Johnson, from the City of Orlando’s MLK Commission and Dr. Earl Mowatt, Chair of the Orange County MLK Initiative discussed the plans to commemorate the 41st year of the legendary parade January 18th honoring Dr. King. This year the theme is based on “Mission Possible: Celebrating Unity, Love and Non-Violence which are some of the 6 Principles that Dr. King’s vision is based upon. More than 100 entrants have registered for the parade and festivities. For information on activities hosted by these two entities visit www.mlkorlando.com or www..https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/DrMartinLutherKingJrInitiative.aspx and for other celebrations throughout Central Florida visit www.star945.com Dr. Lavon Bracy a Central Florida historian, shared her story of staring in the face of racism as a high school senior to integrate an Alachua County High School. She was the 1st black student to graduate in 1965, a mere decade beyond the passing of Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954. She was spit on, beaten to near death and given ultimatums that would have caused another person to give up, but this “brave Little Cookie” forged on to become the 1st black graduate that year. Dr. Bracy who comes from a family who fought for civil rights, believed it was her duty to change the face of desegregation in her county. Since then she is a sought after speaker and author of three books; Making them Whole, Beyond Bravery and Brave Little Cookie. Connect with her at [email protected]