Boston Scenes 2-13-20: 50th Anniversary MLK Memorial Breakfast

The nation’s longest-running breakfast to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrated its 50th anniversary on January 20, 2020 at the BCEC with the theme, THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER. Keynoting the breakfast was Rev. Michael B. Curry, who gave a rousing sermon to a sold out crowd of over 1,400. The MLK Memorial Breakfast featured “A Conversation” with Governor Charlie D. Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey, moderated by Barry Gaither. An award presentation followed which honored Marvin Gilmore and Charlotte Golar Richie with Drum Major Awards and Quincy Miller (Eastern Bank), Robert Lewis, Jr. (The Base), Lillie Thorpe Searcy (Hattie Cooper Community Center), and Darnell Williams (formerly of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts) all received the Anniversary MLK50 Awards. Shayna Seymour, co-anchor of WCVB’s Chronicle emcee’d the event and the audience sang along with David Coleman & Confirmation Gospel Choir. Record numbers were raised to support the programs and services for the founding churches, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and Union United Methodist Church.

For more information contact Event Producer, AJ Williams at AJ Events 617-267-2244.

Bishop Curry poses with Jose Masso. Photo: Julia Zhogina

Capturing moments. Photo: Julia Zhogina

Guests enjoying discussion. Photos: Julia Zhogina

Kim Janey takes a selfie with important guests. Photo: Julia Zhogina

Barry Gaither, Mayor Walsh, Congresswoman Pressley, Senator Markey and Governor Baker. Photo: Julia Zhogina

MLK Breakfast attendees. Photo: Julia Zhogina

Charlotte Golar Richie. Photo: Julia Zhogina

District Attorney Rachael Rollins. Photo: Julia Zhogina

Anniversary awardees with co-chairs. Photo: Julia Zhogina

Marvin Gilmore. Photo: Julia Zhogina