They began with the foundation, honoring their ancestors who came before them.
Last year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Gala focused on the families and churches of Citrus County’s local Black community. This year, the annual fundraising event looks ahead, emphasizing how the community can preserve its history while moving forward.
“This year’s gala is more than a celebration — it is a mission,” said Andrea McCray, president of Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, which hosts the annual event. “Proceeds from the event directly support the restoration and preservation of the historic Black Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Crystal River, established in 1884 — a true county and state treasure that carries immense cultural and historical significance and is in urgent need of care and investment.”
The cemetery sits in a flood zone and is sinking, McCray added. Preserving the land where ancestors are buried is central to the group’s vision for the future.
The Third Annual Citrus County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Gala is also a time of celebration — an elegant, black-tie optional dinner and social gathering that brings together local business and community leaders, residents and Citrus County natives. The evening honors the rich history, legacy and heritage of Crystal River, celebrates community accomplishments, recognizes pioneers of change and fosters unity — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.
The event features “exquisite ambience, inspiring programming, unlimited access to an elevated premium bar experience,” along with fine dining, a silent auction, dynamic speakers and music by the Vocal Ensemble of the Bethune-Cookman University Inspirational Gospel Choir.
The night’s guest speaker is Gregory R. Sawyer, one of 11 siblings and Crystal River High School’s first Black senior class president and 1973 salutatorian. A 1977 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Sawyer served 20 years as a decorated naval flight officer. After retiring as a commander, he became a successful federal contractor, business owner and STEM mentor, co-founding CSJ Partners and supporting youth and community programs.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Antoinette Jackson, professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida and director of the USF Living Heritage Institute. She is also founder of the Black Cemetery Network, a national platform dedicated to the research, preservation and awareness of historic African American burial grounds. Her work bridges scholarship, community and cultural heritage to ensure history is documented, honored and protected for future generations.
The gala begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs.
Tickets are $150 and may be purchased online at friendsofcmgcemetery.com/2026-mlk-leadership-gala. For more information, email friendsofcmgcemetery@gmail.com.
