For decades , the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade has been a cornerstone of our West Perrine community. It is more than a celebration — it is a living tribute to our ancestors, our Black history, and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a moment of unity, education, pride, and healing for families, elders, and children.

This year, that tradition was taken away from the community — not because of a lack of support, not because the people didn’t care, but because one individual chose to control the money instead of honoring the mission.

Dr. King stood for service, fairness, and collective progress — not greed, control, or gatekeeping. No single person should have the power to erase a community tradition that belongs to the people.

Our community is hurt, frustrated, and outraged. We understand that challenges exist, but removing the parade entirely is not the solution. The solution is transparency, collaboration, and leadership that puts the community first.

This petition is a call to action:

•To restore the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
•To remove financial control from one individual
•To establish community oversight and accountability
•To ensure this celebration can never be taken away again
Our history is not a business opportunity!
Our culture is not a bargaining chip!
Our MLK Parade belongs to the people!

We respectfully demand:

•The immediate restoration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade 2027
•Financial transparency regarding funds tied to the parade
•Community involvement and oversight in planning and budgeting
•Leadership that honors Dr. King’s legacy over personal gain
•A permanent structure that prevents one person from controlling this event again

When we take away our traditions, we take away our voice.
When we erase our celebrations, we erase our story.

Our children deserve to see unity in the streets!
Our elders deserve to be honored!
Our ancestors deserve remembrance!

We will not allow one person’s greed to silence generations of history.

Bring back our MLK Parade.

Please sign, share, and stand with our community.
This is bigger than one person — this is about protecting our legacy.