The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee is proud to announce two longtime supporters and community leaders as the official Grand Marshals for the upcoming King Holiday Celebration, honoring their more than a decade of unwavering commitment to the celebration and to the community.

This year’s Grand Marshals are:

• iHeartRadio’s (WMIB-FM) 103.5 The Beat, a longtime champion of the King Holiday Celebration for more than a decade. We proudly welcome Jill Strada, the new Program Director, who is committed to continuing this legacy of support through strong media leadership, community advocacy, and amplifying the mission and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Darren Wells, Vice President of Westway Towing, whose company has supported the King Holiday Celebration for over 10 years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community service, public safety, and civic engagement.

Both honorees have been steadfast partners of the King Holiday Celebration for 10+ years, consistently contributing time, resources, and leadership to ensure the success and growth of the annual event.

“Selecting our Grand Marshals is one of the most meaningful decisions we make each year,” said  Joy Veasy, Chairperson Board of Directors, Dr. MLKCC. “These honorees have not only excelled professionally, but they have also walked alongside us for more than a decade, helping to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive through action, service, and community investment.”

The Grand Marshals will lead the 2026 King Holiday Celebration Parade, scheduled for January 19, 2026, beginning at 9:30am, and will be honored throughout the day’s King Holiday Parade and Multicultural Festival, which features live entertainment, youth activities, community organizations, and educational programming celebrating Dr. King’s enduring legacy.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as a Grand Marshal for this year’s King Holiday Celebration,” said Jill Strada. “It is a privilege to to support the important work of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, and I am thankful for the opportunity to help celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy alongside the Greater Fort Lauderdale community.

Darren Wells said, “I appreciate the honor, I was taken back by the letter at first but grateful for the honor.”

The King Holiday Celebration is one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, bringing together families, civic leaders, faith organizations, businesses, and youth to celebrate the principles of unity, service, and justice.

For more information about the King Holiday Celebration, sponsorship opportunities, or event details, visit kingholidaycelebration.com or contact us at kingholidaycelebration@gmail.com

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About the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee

MLKCC mission is to safeguard and promote Dr. King’s lasting legacy through education, celebration,

and community involvement.

Each year, our celebration draws  residents, visitors, and small businesses,

creating opportunities for local vendors, artists, and service providers while fostering unity

and cultural pride.