LEESBURG, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 A community breakfast to honor Martin Luther King Jr. took place early Friday morning in Leesburg with a smorgasbord of food and a diverse program of speakers, performers and audience of more\u00a0than 150.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no better way to bring in the new year than a celebration of Martin Luther King, said Thomas Sullivan, Lake County commissioner and one of the speakers at the breakfast.<\/p>\n
The CommUnity Breakfast helped kick off a number of activities that will occur across Lake and Sumter in the coming days to commemorate the Jan. 15 birthday of the slain civil rights leader.<\/p>\n
There will be literary contests, parades, church services and a health fair.<\/p>\n
Louis Ward, chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee of Lake and Sumter Counties, said the planned activities will help to promote the legacy of King.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still depend on his work for our direction,\u201d Ward said.<\/p>\n
The breakfast offered grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit and other foods. A proclamation honoring King was presented by Sullivan and Dan Robuck III, Leesburg mayor. And other community leaders and speakers addressed the gathering.<\/p>\n
Lake Minneola High School jazz band and Thomas Ware of Grace A.M.E. Church provided musical entertainment and the audience included Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, Leesburg Police Chief Rob Hicks, Leesburg Fire Chief David Johnson\u00a0and various law enforcement officials.<\/p>\n
One highlight of the breakfast was the presentation of the annual Pioneers & Patriots awards that recognized residents who have provided outstanding work in the surrounding communities. The honorees were Lillian Lockette, Pernell Mitchell, Dr. Charles Mojock, Max Parker Jr. and Ward.<\/p>\n
The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Shelia Y. Smalley of Macedonia Church of the Living God in Leesburg.<\/p>\n
Other area events slated:<\/p>\n
Friday, 6 p.m. \u2013 7:45 p.m.
\n14th Annual Student Literary Awards Ceremony\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Everett Kelly Convocation Gymnasium , Lake-Sumter State College
\n9501 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg<\/p>\n
Leesburg\u00a0Lake & Sumter middle school, high school, private\/charter school, and college students will participate in this annual contest. Students compete in Essay, Oratorical, Art, and Skit\/Theatrical, Multimedia\/Music categories, receiving certificates, trophies, scholarships and cash prizes for their work. Come celebrate the academic and artistic\u00a0talents of our youth.<\/p>\n
Saturday, 11 a.m.\u201412:30 p.m.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11th Annual Dr. MLK, Jr. Parade\/March
\nMain Street, Downtown Leesburg<\/p>\n
A multicultural parade\/march of floats, cars, motorcycles, bands, beauty queens, steppers, twirlers, armed services and\u00a0others. <\/em>