OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The dream of creating a better community for all remains strong in Ocala.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration holds deep meaning for Dr. Dwanette Dilworth, who, along with Paola Leaman, accepted Marion County’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Day proclamation from Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano during the Jan. 7, 2025, City Council meeting.

“I just felt that was a privilege,” said Dilworth. “It’s truly been recognized, and that to me is great. It’s a great feeling and inspiration. It’s something a lot of people who’ve not grown up in this area or who were younger don’t know the significance of what this community was and what it has become now. So, that to me is a blessing.”

Born and raised in Ocala, Dilworth attended school in the Brick City while her family ran multiple businesses and owned properties in the area.

|DO MORE: Visit our events calendar for things to do in Ocala and beyond

“What’s Howard Academy now, it was Howard Elementary at that time, and my parents owned a store right on the east side of Howard Academy,” she said. “A cousin had a store right in front, which was on the north side of the academy. I was one of the first eight minority students to attend Wyomia Park Elementary when they became integrated.”

Dilworth dedicated over 35 years to the Marion County school system and has 41 years of experience in education.

“Being a retired educator, I am so glad the community continues to be educated and is keeping Dr. King’s dream alive in going forward,” she said.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic March is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Though retired for six years, Dilworth also worked at Cunningham Funeral Home, located across from what is now Madison Street Elementary School.

“I’ve seen our community and our neighborhood blossom and make changes,” she said. “I’m grateful for that.”

Reflecting on the transformation of Ocala, Dilworth highlighted the significance of increased inclusivity.

|RELATED: MLK Jr. annual food drive fights food insecurity in Ocala

“I remember there was a time that we had certain places that we could actually go and attend and be accepted, and then that changed,” she said. “And now everybody has the right to be accepted.”

For Dilworth, the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy underscores the importance of unity.

“We don’t have to be so much related, but we share the same significance of wanting to do better with our lives,” she said. “Wanting to appreciate others as individuals. That to me is not only the dream; that’s the importance of how we live today.”

Event Schedule:
  • Prayer Breakfast: Jan. 18, 9 a.m., Mary Sue Rich Center at Reed Place, 1812 N.W. 21st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475. Contact: Loretta Jenkins, (352) 351-0824.
  • Wreath Ceremony: Jan. 18, 12 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 500 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala, FL 34471. Contact: Cassandra Boston, (352) 209-2973.
  • MLK Youth Day: Jan. 18, 1 p.m., Mary Sue Rich Center at Reed Place, 1812 N.W. 21st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475. Contact: Dwanette Dilworth, (352) 207-6036.
  • Ecumenical Services: Jan. 19, 5 p.m., New St. John Baptist Church, 2251 N.W. 2nd St., Ocala, FL 34475. Contact: Shirley Wright, (352) 732-0097.
  • The Historic March: Jan. 20, lineup at 8 a.m. downtown, march begins at 9 a.m. Contact: Ire Bethea, (352) 208-0819. Transportation available 7–8 a.m. from the MLK racquetball court. Contact: Kelvin B. Richardson, (352) 207-9558.
  • Day at the Park: Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.