Music, Message and Fellowship Mark Alachua’s MLK Day Celebration

ALACHUA – The City of Alachua marked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19, 2026, with its 21^st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: I Pledge Community Event, drawing residents together for a morning of reflection, music and community fellowship. Held at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, the celebration began at 10 a.m. and featured a blend of inspirational speakers, musical performances and theatrical presentations honoring King’s enduring legacy of equality, service and unity.

More than six decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on a sweltering August day in Washington, D.C., his legacy continues to inspire people across the nation and some 200 people attended the Alachua event to honor Dr. King's legacy.

Keynote speaker Deric C. Feacher, known as “The Messenger,” delivered guest remarks as part of a program that emphasized civic responsibility and collective commitment to King’s vision. The Bethune-Cookman University Inspirational Gospel Choir provided a featured choral presentation that served as a centerpiece of the morning program.

Several city officials attended the event, including Alachua Mayor Walter Welch, Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown, and City Commissioners Dayna Williams and Jennifer Ringersen. City Manager Rodolfo Valladares also participated in the program offering remarks on behalf of the City of Alachua.

Musical selections throughout the program were performed by the 24/7 Music Ensemble, which opened the ceremony with a musical prelude and returned for interludes during the event. Carol Richardson served as master of ceremonies, welcoming attendees and guiding the program. An invocation was offered by Minister Greg Miller, followed by performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Additional performances included a solo by Evangelist Carolyn Rushing and a theatrical presentation, The March, by I Am Productions led by Andrew Miller. George Bethea performed an interlude, and the Alachua Senior Cha-Chas drew applause with dance performances familiar to many in the community.

The program concluded with a blessing of the food by the Rev. John E. Brown of St. Paul AME Church before attendees gathered for a shared community meal, a tradition that has become a hallmark of Alachua’s annual MLK celebration. Closing remarks were delivered by Damon Messina.

Planning and coordination for the event were guided by the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Advisory Committee, which included Lynn Hayes, Carol Richardson, Damon Messina, Jack Hansen, Pam Philman, Linnelle Stewart, Daavid Wisener and Kenyata Curtis. Community sponsor Visit Gainesville, Alachua County supported the celebration.

Now in its 21^st year, the City of Alachua’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration continues to serve as a space for remembrance and renewal, bringing together residents of all ages to honor Dr. King’s message through shared experiences of music, reflection and fellowship.

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