Central Florida Honors Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, January 20, 2014
By: Amy Kiley

January 20, 2014 | WMFE--To mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Rollins College is hosting a vigil tonight. It's a reflection of how King's message still impacts Central Florida.

Tonight’s vigil is part of a weeklong celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. at Rollins.  Keynote Speaker Val Demings say those gathered will remember the beloved civil rights activist – but with an eye to the future.  "As we honor Dr. King’s birthday, every year is like a new beginning," she says.  "It’s just a strong reminder that Dr. King’s work lives on every day.  And, all of us have an opportunity to play a roll in furthering the dream."

To that end, Demings says, her speech will encourage a sense of unity, love and non-violence in Central Florida.

She says Rollins College is a good place to hold the vigil.  She credits King with laying the foundation for her to become the first female chief of the Orlando Police Department.  Demings says King’s work will do the same for the young people of Rollins and of the broader community.

Tonight’s vigil starts at 6 at Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins campus.