History of MLK Sanford
Each year, on the third Monday of January, schools, businesses, federal and state offices, post offices, and banks across America close to celebrate the birth and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The holiday is a powerful tribute to his philosophy and stature.
The City of Sanford Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration began in 1987 when former City of Sanford Mayor Bettye D. Smith and then Sanford City Commissioners Herbert Eckestein, the late A. A. McClanahan, Joy Y. Mercer, and Robert B. Thomas, Jr. were in office—the first observance of the National King Holiday.
Dr. Lurlene M. Sweeting was the first chairman of the Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee. “Peace and Growth Through Brotherhood” was the first of many themes that have helped the unified Sanford Community grow and prosper for over twenty years through Dr. King’s Philosophy of love, peace, self-discipline, and mutual respect.
A few of the events planned for the first observance were an Inter-denominational Religious Service featuring the newly formed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Choir organized by the late Mrs. Mary Whitehurst, assisted by Sandra Petty, Faye Williams, Bobria Alexander, Bettye D. Smith, and Gloria Williams; a noon luncheon with a performance by Pearl Bailey, Internationally known stage, screen, radio, and television star as well as a gifted soloist; Youth night featured a dramatization of the life of Dr. King, as well as an oratorical, essay, and art contest; a commemorative Banquet featured speaker, Dr. Frederick Humphries, former President of FAMU and music by the Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration Choir.
Throughout the years, various themes have been true to Dr. King's life: “Living the Dream-Let Freedom Ring,” “Working Together Fulfilling the Dream,” and “Nonviolence, a Blueprint for Living.”
On Saturday, January 17, 2009, the City of Sanford and Seminole County dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It shall forever represent the power of unity and brotherhood and be known as our “footprints to freedom” and the “gateway to unlimited possibilities.”