Each year, on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, a group of dedicated young leaders from Bradford County embarks on a mission to both honor Dr. King’s legacy and make a tangible impact in the community.
Since 2018, the members of 12 Guys in Bow Ties & 12 Girls in Pearls (12G Mentoring) have been attending the Grand MLK Jr. Parade in Jacksonville. What sets this group apart isn’t just their participation in the parade but their hands-on approach to giving back: they serve by cleaning up the very streets that host the parade.
“We don’t just come to watch,” says founder Edrick Hamilton. “We come to be a part of history and make a difference.”
The group’s day begins with an hour of enjoying the parade, as they spend time together as the “12G Family,” reflecting on the significance of the day. However, their real work begins after that hour. Armed with buckets and gloves, the group steps into action. As the parade continues, they walk along the sidewalks, collecting candy wrappers, plastic, and other debris tossed by parade-goers. Their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
“People watching the parade start to follow our lead,” Hamilton said. “What’s amazing is how others, both kids and adults, begin picking up trash too, just because our youth are showing the way.”
This simple act of cleaning up doesn’t just benefit the environment—it embodies the very principles Dr. King fought for: leadership, service and unity. “In those moments, no one’s being judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” Hamilton said. The youth are thanked by parade-goers and even other community members, who appreciate the positive example they’re setting.
However, this year’s plans faced an unexpected challenge. Due to the harsh weather conditions brought on by Winter Storm Enzo, the Jacksonville parade was canceled. With less than 12 hours to come up with a new plan, the group’s mentors quickly coordinated an emergency response. The group left Bradford County at 7:20 a.m. on Jan. 20 bound for Clermont, Florida, to participate in a different MLK Jr. parade.
The were in foreign territory and the environment was different, but that didn’t matter. Hamilton walked along the parade route and talked with law enforcement before finalizing the plan of action to serve. Despite the shorter parade route and smaller crowd, the group’s commitment to service didn’t waver. “We made it on time, and we were ready to serve,” Hamilton said. The members once again took to the streets, armed with their buckets and determination, cleaning up after the parade.
“There was a moment of serendipity,” Hamilton recalled. “I was walking along the parade route when my cousin, who was participating in the parade, spotted me. Seeing her and getting a hug, that feeling of connection was amazing.”
In Clermont, the group’s actions raised eyebrows. Many parade-goers were surprised to learn that the group’s buckets weren’t filled with candy but with trash. This parade was all work and no play. The members didn’t get a chance to sit and watch the parade. The experience wasn’t about watching the parade—it was about rolling up their sleeves and doing the work that needed to be done. Still, the mentors made sure the group got a chance to enjoy some of the parade candy before heading home.
After the parade cleanup, the group continued their efforts at the Clermont Waterfront Park, where the city had provided food, live entertainment and games for the community. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and the members were thanked by the local biker club who helped the city sponsor the community event at the park.
“Cold weather and distance didn’t stop us,” Hamilton said. “The work of 12G Mentoring is bigger than just one event. It’s about instilling values of service and leadership in our youth.”
Looking ahead, the group is already planning their next community service events. On Feb. 12, they will pack food bags for the Hunger Backpack Program at the old Southside Elementary School. Additional service opportunities will include cleanups at local schools, a winter cleaning at Lawtey Elementary School, a spring cleaning at Starke Elementary School, and community service projects at institutions like Santa Fe College and Jacksonville University.
“Whether it’s in our backyard or hundreds of miles away, we’re committed to making a difference, no matter the weather or the distance,” Hamilton said.
With a deep commitment to service and an unwavering dedication to Dr. King’s principles, the 12 Guys in Bow Ties & 12 Girls in Pearls continue to lead by example, showing that even small actions can have a big impact on their communities.
For more information about 12G Mentoring and upcoming service projects, follow them on Facebook @12GIBT12GIP.
