MLKCC annual parade and march in Fort Lauderdale

Norfleet started racing go-karts at the age of 9 under the tutelage of her father Bobby Norfleet. Last August she made history as the first African-American female NASCAR Driver. Off the track, Norfleet is committed to a number of programs, including entrepreneurship for at-risk youth, and her own literacy program called, “Driven to Read” through her comic book and upcoming cartoon series Lil Tia.

The parade line-up begins at 9:30 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, 591 N.W. 31st Ave. (MLK Boulevard). The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to join Broward County's best bands, sororities, fraternities and various community organizations. Free for walkers, $25 registration fee for motorized vehicles and floats.

The parade ends at Dillard High School with the Battle of the Bands and Non-Violence Rally, 11:30 a.m. on the Otis Gray Football Field, featuring talented county high school marching bands competing for prizes and bragging rights.

The MLKCC Committee also invites everyone to join Hands On Broward for a Community Service Project, Saturday, Jan. 19th starting at 9 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. There will be outdoor beautification projects and a community cinema. 

At 10 a.m. MLKCC Committee will host a MLK Birthday Party for the kiddies at the African American Research Library, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., featuring storytelling, the Why we celebrate Dr. King video, hands-on crafts, a protest march and cake. At 1 p.m., the MLKCC Youth Committee will host the Fourth Annual “Change Yourself Before You Can Change Me’’ Teen Summit, featuring BET’s “106 & Park” & “Rap It Up” artist T’Juan, a historical fashion play by DezignNation, a Greek step show, a lively panel discussion, appearances by Black Dada, Billy Blue, the Diamond Princess Trina, Brisco and more.

All of the events are free and open to the public. For more information call 954-828-5435 or 954-828-8945 or visit kingholidaycelebration.com