OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of every January, close to his birthday on Jan. 15, 1929. This year, the commemorative day will be held on Jan. 19, 2026, honoring his legacy and role in the Civil Rights Movement. Every year, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, Inc. invites guests to join them for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, kicking off a weekend of remembrance.
This year’s theme is Mission Possible: Uniting the Nation, Building a Future the Nonviolent Way, following its 2025 theme of Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365. Celebrations have been taking place since the beginning of January; however, this weekend will semi-officially kick off with the prayer breakfast on Jan. 17 starting at 9 a.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place,1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala. The celebration will then move to Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 500 SW MLK Jr. Ave., Ocala, for the Wreath Ceremony where the community, along with the Ocala Police Department, will come together to lay the wreath to pay respect to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at noon.
Guests can then return to the Mary Sue Rich Community Center for the Youth Day starting at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this event where children participate in health and wellness, personal development and music and art activities. During health and wellness, youth will participate in Court Skills Academy where they can play basketball and volleyball; Body Mechanics: Training with a Purpose; and The Art of Healthy Living. The personal development section will feature Polished and Poised: Style and Etiquette; Cyber Security and Social Media; and Your Future After High School. Then, they can participate in an artistry workshop, featuring face painting and line dancing…