The MLK Memorial Breakfast Committee, hosts of the nation’s longest-running event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will celebrate its 50th Anniversary and Commemorative Ceremony on Monday, January 20, 2020, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The morning tribute will be centered around the 50th-anniversary theme, “THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER," which will feature reflections, performances, and excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches in commemoration of the 50th anniversary. Keynoting the breakfast is The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry. Bishop Curry is the Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, who delivered a rousing sermon at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. It will conclude with a moment of reflection. The ticketed event will take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and open to the public.

King contemporaries, elected officials, local faith leaders, and other special guests will share recollections of Dr. King and his work from the Main Stage. Participants include Governor Charlie D. Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, U.S., and U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey. These will share their stories from the frontlines and engage in dialogue about The Movement then and now.

Drum Major awards will be presented to Marvin Gilmore and Charlotte Golar Richie for their exemplary community service. Anniversary Awards will be given to Quincy Miller of Eastern Bank, Robert Lewis, Jr. of The Base, Lillie Searcy of Hattie Cooper Community Center, and Darnell Williams of Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts for their exemplify excellence in their corporate and community leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“As we mark the 50th anniversary, we offer a full day of reflection and contemplation in acknowledgment of the loss of one of our greatest civil rights leaders and humanitarians,” said the MLK Breakfast Committee’s Co-Chair, Rev. Monrelle Williams of St. Cyprian Episcopal Church. “Our 50th anniversary is not, however, intended to be a simple look back at the past; we intend that this day will also advance the march forward to shape the future. We want to continue the momentum, build on Dr. King’s legacy, and fully actualize his platforms of peace, justice, and equity now and beyond,” continues Rev. Williams.

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast was founded by St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church and Union United Methodist Church. Net proceeds from the MLK Memorial Breakfast support the community programs and services at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and Union United Methodist Church. The event will attract an audience of about 1,500 including business, civic, community, and religious leaders, as well as educational and community organizations from across Massachusetts. The breakfast features MC Shayna Seymour, co-anchor of WCVB’s award-winning, nightly news magazine, Chronicle, and live gospel music.

General Admission Tickets are $50 per person, and VIP Tickets are $150 per person, which includes the VIP Dream Reception, premium seating during the Breakfast and Legacy Program. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. VIP Tickets are only available online at www.bostonmlkbreakfast.org or by phone at AJ Events (617) 267-2244. For more information about the breakfast, contact the event producer, AJ Williams, at AJ Events (617) 267-2244 / aj@ajwilliamsevents.com.