PALMETTO MLK CELEBRATION RETURNS

After a two-year hiatus, Manatee County’s premiere Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration

Weekend is returning. The annual weekend of history, parades, education and talent features several days of family fun.

After the Board of Directors’ Covid concerns caused the Palmetto Youth Center to cancel two

previous years’ activities,

“We are excited to rejuvenate our MLK Weekend,”

said Reggie

Bellamy, Palmetto Youth Center’s Executive Director.

The celebration weekend will begin with the resumption of the popular oratorical contest on

Thursday, January 5, in the Eddie Shannon Building at 6 p.m.

“Manatee County middle and high school students are especially invited to participate,” said

Bellamy.

The annual oratorical contest “#UnitySpeaks” is also for middle and high school students from

throughout the surrounding counties. The contest consists of written and oral components.

Each first-place winner will receive $150, a computer and printer. Second-place winners will

receive $100; Third-place winners will receive $75.

Winning entries from middle and high school categories will be presented at the distinguished

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet, on Friday, January 13, at 7 p.m., in the Seymore Sailes

Gymnasium.

The banquet will also feature a catered dinner and live band. The doors open at 6 p.m.

The fun-filled MLK Weekend Parade will take off from Lincoln Middle School on Saturday,

January 14, at noon. The entry point of the parade will be on 2nd Avenue East at the first gate

entering the parking lot.

The MLK Weekend Youth Talent Show will begin at 3 p.m., after the MLK Parade has concluded.

The talent show will focus on dancers, musicians, singers, poets and other talents.

“We anticipate great talent with great fun,”

said Bellamy.

On Sunday, January 15, at 6 p.m. the Palmetto Youth Center will present the Multicultural

Gospel Explosion, Hosted by Mareneo Flournoy.

“The Gospel Explosion is something you will not want to miss,” said Bellamy.

For more information contact the Palmetto Youth Center at 941-722-0783; or visit