Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) to honor the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Magic Johnson, Burger King Franchisee to Host MLK Birthday Celebration To Launch Reclaim The Dream Campaign 2006
MIAMI – The Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) will hold its annual Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration hosted by Magic Johnson, an established Burger King Franchisee, on Friday, January 13, 2006 from 6:00 pm to 10 pm, at MLKEDC Courtyard located at 6114 NW 7th Avenue in Liberty City to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King. The event is free and open to the general public.
The festivities will begin with relaxing music during the Reception Hour for networking and enjoying poetry by Renae Moss and pianist, Miami Idol finalist, Isaiah Dawson. The celebration will continue with the launch announcement of the Reclaim the Dream Campaign and the annual Reclaim The Dream – Revitalize MLK Boulevard Candlelight Memorial Service which will be held on April 4, 2006 by City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle and community leaders followed by remarks from Earvin “Magic” Johnson and a special presentation to Magic for his contributions and continued support of the community.
Although Magic Johnson is universally known for his 13-year professional NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he led them to nine appearances in the NBA Finals and five championships – Johnson has re-defined himself as a businessman by revitalizing underserved communities focused on providing quality entertainment services, creating much needed jobs and employing local minority contractors and service vendors. To date, Johnson has provided more than 12,000 jobs to minorities through his many business ventures. They include, Starbucks Coffee, Magic Johnson Theatres, Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund, Magic Johnson 24 Hour Fitness Clubs, TGIF Restaurants and now BURGER KING® restaurants in Liberty City on 54th Street & NW 7th Avenue, 36th Street and NW 7th Avenue and one on West Dixie Highway. Johnson owns a total of 30 BURGER KING® restaurants in Dallas, Atlanta, Birmingham and Miami.
The Main Stage will showcase Mistress of Ceremonies Kalyn James, The Seasoned Flavored Dancers featuring the Dance Exchange Kids, Miami Northwestern Sr. High School PAVAC Players and Comedian Larry Dogg who will entertain the audience with tributes to Dr. King. Jody Hill Band, Miami’s hottest band, will perform live Jazz, R&B and Old School music. Miami designers: Rochate, Zobi Designs, IMI Apparel and Daed Jewels will feature their wears in a sizzling fashion show.
The community will enjoy a complimentary soul food buffet catered by Chef Creole and will have an opportunity to visit the MLK Art Exhibit where they can browse or purchase cultural arts & crafts, original artwork and meet local talented artists: Winsome, Denise Marlo, Allah and Art Forever. The event is presented by the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation and is free and open to the general public, all in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, his accomplishments and the launch of the 2006 Reclaim The Dream Campaign initiative.
