A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE, AT ITS JULY 15, 2020 MEETING, AND APPROVING AN ANNUAL REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL EVENT IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.

The Administration recommends the annual commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in a manner that is uniquely Miami Beach and represents the inclusiveness the City embraces.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday that is held annually on the third Monday of every January. We celebrate Dr. King's birthday, January 15, because of the Dr. King’s life and achievement. His leadership was fundamental in the success civil rights movement.

The celebration of Dr. King's birthday is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans.

As Coretta Scott King (widow of Dr. King) said,  “[MLK, Jr. Day]...is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and sharing. No other day of the year brings so many peoples from different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of brother and sisterhood. Whether you are African-American, Hispanic or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian-American, you are part of the great dream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples’ holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream.” 

For the City of Miami Beach, the created of a citywide celebration or commemoration of the essence of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. mission and vision is germane as the country collectively reflects on the meaning of justice, equality and community engagement.

To celebrate and commemorate the Dr. King's birthday in Miami Beach, the Administration would like to explore creating meaningful, memorable....and potentially legacy programs that can embrace and embed Dr. King's spirit and message to commit and advance civil rights, nonviolence, and justice for all.

Potential programs could include, but not be limited to:

1. Volunteerism/Service
2. Cultural Engagement
3. Educational Engagement
4. Community Dialogue

The Administration recommends the commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in a manner that is uniquely Miami Beach and represents the inclusiveness the City embraces.