Key West The Newspaper

The City of Key West invites the community to join in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 16th from noon until 4 p.m. at Nelson English Park at 300 Catherine Street.

The family-oriented celebration will include free food, bounce houses, inspiring speeches, a parade and more in honor of the civil rights pioneer.

Rev. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work in the civil rights movement. He was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 for his dedication to this cause.

Mayor Craig Cates, Vice Mayor Clayton Lopez and Commissioner Sam Kaufman, during last week’s City Commission meeting, proclaimed January 16th as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

“In 2016 this nation, struggling with war, disparate treatment of its people and unequal representation, continues to challenge our elected leaders on all levels,” reads the proclamation, “to bring forward the realization of Dr. King’s dream unveiled 51 years ago, and to demonstrate that these leaders will work toward making the dream a reality by putting the needs of the people first.”

City offices will be closed on January 16th in honor of the national day of remembrance for Dr. King.