38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast is a time for the community to come together, to foster relationships, to dialogue around the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to confront issues of inequity and injustice. This year’s theme is “Bending the Arc: Our Journey Towards Justice.” In a March 31, 1968, speech at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Dr. King remarked, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” But that arc does not bend on its own. It bends when people, communities, and generations step forward with courage and conviction. As our journey towards justice continues, it is shaped and sustained by the hands and hearts willing to lead the way.

To reflect on how we as individuals can work towards bending the arc, we are thrilled to welcome acclaimed author and philanthropist Frederick Joseph as our keynote speaker. Mr. Joseph is known for creating the #BlackPantherChallenge, the largest GoFundMe campaign in history at the time, which raised nearly $1 million to help over 75,000 children see the movie Black Panther for free. While other GoFundMe campaigns have since surpassed this amount, the #BlackPantherChallenge remains a landmark success in philanthropic history.

The event will feature vibrant performances, inspiring youth writing, and the presentation of the Essence of Humanity and Ruby Payne Cook awards, along with time for community connection and fellowship.

As Crispus Attucks largest fundraiser, this event raises nearly 1/3 of its annual operating budget. All proceeds will directly support programs and initiatives at the Crispus Attucks Community Center, ensuring that we can continue to serve as a critical resource for our neighbors while creating an equitable future for everyone.