Martin Luther King, Jr. was a true American hero. He fought for the values we hold dear in our country. Freedom. Justice. Equality. And he made the highest sacrifice for a struggle that still continues today. That’s why, every year, it’s fitting that we honor him and his service. Mark your calendars for the annual MLK breakfast to kick off this day of observance. It will take place at the First United Methodist Church starting at 9 a.m. on January 16.
Joan C. Browning
This year, the keynote speaker will be Joan C. Browning. On December 10, 1961, Browning was part of the Albany Freedom Ride. She has also participated in sit-ins and picketing for the civil rights cause.
Day Of Service
After breakfast, take the inspiring words of the morning with you and spend your day serving the community. After all, Martin Luther King Day is a day of service in our country – it’s not a day off but a day on, as they say. And there are several web sites that you can find with a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Essay Contest Winners
By the time of the breakfast, winners will be announced for an essay contest for kids in grades K-12. There are different guidelines for students in K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. According to the web site, winners in each one of these groups will receive a prize of $200. The winners are expected to be in attendance at the breakfast.
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Previous Speakers
Did you miss one of the previous MLK breakfasts and want to hear the speaker? Or, would you like to hear an inspiring message from a prior year again? There are several years of previous speakers available online, including the stay at home guest panel during Covid that included William Isom, East Tennessee PBS; Dr. Christy Miller Cowan, Asst. Professor of Psychology at LMU; (Rev.) Brandon Moore, Choral Music Director at Morristown East High School and Director of Youth Ministries at Trinity UMC; Keisha Griffin Monroe, Citizen Tribune and Organizer of the 2020/2021 Juneteenth Celebration; and the Rev. Johnny Jones, Senior Pastor of Toney’s Chapel Baptist Church, Morristown.