The Martin Luther King Parade Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the City of Tampa, is thrilled to announce updates for the 2024 parade and activities honoring the life and legacy of Civil Rights Leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Foundation is set to reveal its Signature Sponsor, a newly launched youth program, and offer unique participation opportunities for the community in the 2024 MLK Black-Tie Gala and City of Tampa MLK Jr. Parade.
This year's theme, “Passing the Torch,” emphasizes engaging the next generation in social justice. The Gala, set for Friday, January 5, 2024, will feature Tampa's own R&B star Trumaine Lamar.
The City of Tampa MLK Jr. Parade, scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2024, will be led by Grand Marshal Gwen Miller, former Chairwoman of the Tampa City Council and the first African American woman elected to the Tampa City Council. Headlining the parade will be the renowned bands from Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Edward Waters University, alongside more than 100 participating groups.
The MLK Jr. Parade is sponsored by Florida Blue and TECO, with additional support from the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, Mosaic, Rebein Brothers Law, USAA, Amazon Black Employees Network, AT&T, Grow Financial, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Bank of Tampa, Women’s Council of Bay Area Association of Realtists, and Media Partner 101.5 The Vibe, along with other corporate leaders.
Representatives from the MLK, Jr., Foundation and Visit Tampa Bay will host a press conference on Friday, December 15, at 10 a.m. announcing the 2024 MLK Jr. Parade outside the Tampa Municipal Office Building located at 306 E Jackson St. Media outlets are invited to attend.