UPDATE:
Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, the city of Tallahassee will postpone the Martin Luther King Day parade set for this Saturday. This is the second time the event has been postponed and city officials are determined to celebrate King’s legacy after finalizing a new date for the event.
Tallahassee is encouraging residents to celebrate Black history and commemorate the life of King with other events in the city. Historical sites and online exhibits such as the John G. Riley Center and Museum are offered for residents who wish to experience the history of African Americans and other cultures.
For more events taking place in the city and details on a new date for the MLK parade, visit Talgov.com.
To kick off the first weekend of Black History Month the city of Tallahassee will host the Martin Luther King Day drive-thru parade on Sat. The event previously scheduled for Jan. 18, will commemorate the life and legacy of King with community organizations in attendance.
The format of the parade is unique and a “reverse-style” platform for the city to give recognition to the efforts King made toward equality and social justice reform. Spectators can park their vehicles along the east side of Tennessee street to enjoy the festivities. This is the first MLK parade in town and city officials are hopeful it will be interactive to people in the community.
“We’re praying that it will be fun but also educational. It will be a drive-by so it will also be safe,” said City Commissar Dianne Williams-Cox. “We’re trying to keep people safe from COVID and keep people from gathering because we don’t want this thing to spread.”
The event was previously rescheduled due to threats of armed protests made last month toward capital cities across the nation. To ensure the safety of parade participants, the Tallahassee Police Department is expected to direct traffic along Monroe, Tennessee, and Gaines street. Side streets surrounding the parade will also be closed to incoming traffic.
Community organizations expected to attend include Florida A&M University’s Gospel Choir, NAACP, Leon County Schools, and more. FAMU Choir Director Darien Bolden believes it is important to have an HBCU present at an event that signifies the legacy of King and Black history.
“As an HBCU it is always our job to be involved in something that is representing our culture,” said Bolden. “Gospel music was founded in the African American church so I feel that it is only right that the gospel choir performs to spread this message of hope, peace, love, and unity through song and music.”
The drive-thru parade is set to begin at noon and end at 2 p.m. For additional information on event details, visit Talgov.com.