AT CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL AND GOSPEL CONCERT: City of Miami Commission Chairwoman Christine King, below from left, Grammy Award-winning Gospel artist Hezekiah Walker, and Amina McNeil, executive director of the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC), and seniors getting off bus heading inside. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATV MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Miami – On the evening of April 4, the Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts was filled for the 20th Annual Reclaim The Dream Candlelight Memorial and Gospel Concert.

The event commemorated the 57th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. It was organized by the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) in collaboration with City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.

The evening served as a tribute to King’s enduring legacy, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of justice, equality, and unity.

The concert gathered a diverse audience of community leaders, residents, and faith-based organizations united in solidarity to reflect on and reaffirm King’s powerful message.

The event commenced at 6:01 PM with a solemn candlelight vigil, marking the exact moment of King’s assassination. The moment of silence invited attendees to reflect and recommit to his vision of peace and social progress.

Miami Commission Chairwoman Christine King addressed the crowd, stating, “Reclaim The Dream serves as a reminder of the critical need to remain rooted in our values and united in purpose. Miami has shown that Dr. King’s legacy is not merely remembered – it’s alive and inspires future generations.”

Commissioner Keon Hardemon echoed those sentiments, saying “The energy and emotion in that hall reminded us that the Dream is not just a memory – it’s a continuing movement. We honor Dr. King by actively striving to build the Beloved Community he envisioned.”

The concert showcased performances by multi-Grammy Award-winning gospel legends Hezekiah Walker and The Clark Sisters. Their stirring music moved the crowd to its feet, celebrating the unifying power of faith and song as instruments for healing and collective strength.

Amina McNeil, president and CEO of MLKEDC, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support: “The turnout and heartfelt participation of everyone present were nothing short of inspiring. It was evident that Dr. King’s message resonates deeply across generations.” The Reclaim The Dream event remains one of South Florida’s most cherished annual traditions. It celebrates Dr. King’s vision and call to action for ongoing social change. As the 20th annual celebration, this year’s concert marked a significant milestone, energizing the community to move forward with renewed purpose.

For more information about MLKEDC and its upcoming initiatives, visit mlkedcmiami.org.