41st Annual Triangle MLK Jr. Committee’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Goes Virtual

Raleigh, NC – On the third Monday of January, every year for the past forty years, the Triangle MLK Jr. Committee has organized public events to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the key events of the MLK Weekend is the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, normally held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel with over 2500 in attendance. Coordinating the 41st Annual Triangle MLK Jr. Holiday Celebration was very difficult under the circumstances and limitation of COVID-19, yet with a powerful mindset and determination, a wonderful Interfaith Prayer Breakfast still managed to take place.

In troubling times it is even more important to pay homage to those that have dedicated their lives to making a change in the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to providing the world with a dream that encouraged peace and unity among a diverse range of individuals. This dream is one that is still being chased by many as the world faces yet another racially troubling time in history. The positive impact of Dr. King lives forever as individuals fight for equality. 

Televised on WRAL and streamed on the Committee’s Facebook page, people watching the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast were able to celebrate and give praise from the comforts of their home. A warm opening song was delivered by the choir of Amanah AME Zion Church from Knightdale, NC. As they sang to the high heavens reminding those viewing that not only was Dr. King a civil rights activist but also a renowned minister.

The Interfaith Prayer Breakfast allowed many individuals to speak on the historical role Dr. King played in society. With these diverse collections of ministers, sponsors, students and even a violinist were able to share their respect and gratitude for Martin Luther King Jr. sacrificing his life for a lifelong dream. Seeking to stop discrimination and racism in black communities currently facing racial injustice from police brutality. Even after decades of dealing with the same and more public disrespect from a prejudiced mass of people. Dr. King’s dream for peaceful protest lives on through the movement of Black Lives Matter.

The keynote speaker was the Rev. Michael Curry, presiding Bishop, and primate of the Episcopal Church. Whose passionate message was taken from his book “Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times.” His message echoed King’s call to action and brought significant relevance to the troubling time that Black communities are currently facing while uplifting the idea of love and unity among people.

The celebration also included a virtual panel of local organizers and activists with the theme ‘Love is The Way.’ The conversation between MLK Jr. Commission Chair Rev. James White and others discussed ways to resolve current day issues. Such as the domestic terrorist attack of the Capitol that took place on January 6. 2021. Along with dealing with the world’s pandemic.

In closing the event the 41st Annual Celebration of the Triangle MLK Jr. Committee organized an evening virtual musical celebration. Featuring a selection of music from; Jazz Musician Marcus Anderson, Gospel Artists, Kim Persons McDowell, Marshetta Parker, Kimberly Michelle Prince, and the award-winning Martin Luther King, Jr. All-Children’s Choir and other artists. Who all unified in song to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

The Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee for 41 years has been able to educate our community by expanding upon the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Among the principles of Dr.King’s legacy are respect, equality, opportunity, diversity, and a commitment to peace, justice, and non-violent solutions to conflict. All of these principles at the heart of the civil rights movement are equally as relevant to our lives today as we seek to address and solve present-day social issues in our community.

It is the goal of the Triangle MLK Committee to organize, deliver and promote quality events and programming in the Triangle on the King national holiday weekend, and expand the message of hope and healing in Dr. King’s philosophy through ongoing, community-engaging activities throughout the year.

Feature photo credit: screenshot