Honoring Dr. King on Sistrunk Boulevard: Community, Culture, and Connection

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our Inclusion Specialists Van Gray and Herchella “Chel” Baynes joined families, neighbors, and community leaders along Sistrunk Boulevard for Fort Lauderdale’s annual MLK Day Parade—an event rooted in history, pride, and collective purpose.

Sistrunk Boulevard is more than a parade route. It is a historic African American corridor and one of the oldest Black communities in South Florida. Once home to a thriving hub of Black-owned businesses, Sistrunk continues to represent resilience, culture, and community legacy in Fort Lauderdale.

For Van, attending the MLK Day Parade has been a lifelong tradition. Growing up, his mother, grandmother, and father made sure he attended every year. It was never just a parade—it was a celebration of civil rights, Black excellence, and unity. Along the route, historic Black schools, businesses, marching bands, fraternities, sororities, and community-based organizations come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

This year, Van and Chel were invited by one of our most supportive and communicative partner programs, Firewall, to host a tent representing The Advocacy Network on Disabilities. The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of community care. Organizations and vendors shared essential items such as food, water, books, toiletries, socks, and toys—resources that continue to make a meaningful difference for families.

Throughout the day, Van and Chel shared information about AND’s programs, connected with community members, and offered support to individuals and families seeking resources. They met people who expressed genuine appreciation for the work we do, as well as others who shared interest in services or identified a need for support.

“It was a really beautiful and fulfilling experience,” they shared. “We left with our hearts full.”

The energy of the marching bands and drumline performances provided a powerful soundtrack to the day—serving as a reminder that celebration, remembrance, and joy are all part of honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

We are grateful for the invitation and for the opportunity to stand alongside the community on a day that continues to inspire inclusion, connection, and action.