KENNETT SQUARE —The MLK CommUNITY Board of the Greater Kennett Area is holding its 17th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast on Monday, January 15, 2018, from 8 to 10 a.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m.) at the Red Clay Room located at 423 Dalmatian Street in Kennett Square.
The breakfast will feature keynote speaker Bishop Dwayne D. Royster, music by the 90-member MLK CommUNITY Choir, and kicks off a day of volunteer service with various nonprofit organizations throughout the region.
“In challenging and trying times it is up to us to stand together for the sake of our communities and the future of our young people,” Carol Black, President of the MLK CommUNITY Board of Directors, said. “That is precisely what our breakfast and the entire day is all about. Inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. King, we are bringing together business, faith, community leaders, and friends who share his vision to change the world for the betterment of all people.”
Royster, the Political Director of the PICO (People Improving Communities Through Organization) National Network and the former Executive Director of the POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild), will speak on this year’s theme, “Social Justice Through the Power of Compassion,” and offer his thoughts on the work and wisdom of Dr. King.
Immediately following the breakfast, Royster will also host a dialogue and discussion with attendees beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Kennett Inn.
“Bishop Royster is a powerful speaker who has gained national recognition for his extensive organizing, advocacy, and political and faith leadership,” Black said. “We are thrilled and honored to have him join us.”
Tickets are available for $20 online at www.mlkcommunity.org (scroll down and click on the green button) or by calling the Borough of Kennett Square at 610-444-6020 (ext. 108) during regular business hours. However, space is limited and those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their seats now.
Proceeds from the breakfast support college scholarships for students graduating high school from Kennett, Unionville, and Avon Grove, as well as current students attending Lincoln University. In addition, ticket sales help fund summer camp opportunities for local children in need and support MLK Advocates Forums and ongoing efforts and initiatives of the MLK CommUNITY Board to promote equality, justice, peace, and the eradication of poverty in the Greater Kennett Area.
In addition, during and after the breakfast:
· All residents are invited to participate in a day of volunteer service. For a list of volunteer opportunities with local and regional nonprofit organizations, e-mail mlkdayofsharing@gmail.com.
· Attendees are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to benefit the Kennett Area Community Service Food Cupboard and the Avon-Grove Bridge Food Pantry.
· Martin Luther King Jr. books will be on display and for sale.
· Attendees and residents are encouraged to participate in a Change for Change Challenge. Six local municipalities are competing in the challenge: Avondale Borough, Kennett Square Borough, Kennett Township, New Garden Township, East Marlborough Township, and West Grove Borough. Cash and coins can be brought to the MLK breakfast or to the Franklin Mint Credit Union on Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, on Saturday, January 13, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public can also participate online via MLK Change for Change at GoFundMe.
“In the words of Dr. King, ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ We encourage you to come out on January 15 and join us for what promises to be an inspirational and uplifting day as we celebrate one of our most influential Civil Rights leaders, and recognize the capacity for each individual to enact change in their community,” Black said.
The MLK CommUNITY Breakfast was founded by the late Mabel Latta Thompson in 1999. Since then, it has grown into a day of dialogue, worship, and service to the community, as well as a year-round, grassroots organization dedicated to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream of peace and harmony among people.
The MLK CommUNITY is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization.
For more information on the MLK CommUNITY Board of the Greater Kennett Area, as well as donation and sponsorship opportunities please visitwww.mlkcommunity.org.
