MLK Day 2018, as early as 5:00 am on Monday morning, the St. Petersburg Police began to set barricades around the black community on the southside, ensuring none of us could get in or out. This early display of military occupation came on the day that our community would be preparing to celebrate one of our black nation’s heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Prior to the MLK Day festivities our community was issued a threat from the Chief of Police, Anthony Holloway that said if we were to vend in our community, we would be fined nearly $150!

King was one of the most influential leaders of our movement, having the ability to mobilize millions of black people in a moment. It was this influence that led to his assassination by the U.S. government.

We are calling on you to "Be Like MLK" on his day and continue his fight this Sunday and every Sunday until MLK Day, January 21, 2019 as we organize to "Take Back MLK DAY"!