The “fierce urgency of now” is the theme of the ninth annual Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast celebration on Monday, Jan. 20 at 8 a.m. The event is a celebration of Dr. King’s life, work and ideals, and serves as an opportunity for the community to consider the dream for equality and an end to discrimination.
The morning celebration includes entertainment, guest speakers and recognition for student and community leaders. The annual Alston Award – named in honor of Miriam Alston and the group of slaves she freed, who traveled to the Westerville area in 1859 – will be awarded to a member of the community who best demonstrates the characteristics of Dr. King: tolerance, respect, kindness, bravery and determination. Two Westerville City Schools students will be named Fouse Award recipients, in honor of William H. Fouse, the first black graduate of Westerville City Schools and Otterbein College (now University).
Bishop Timothy Clarke of the First Church of God in Columbus will serve as the keynote speaker, helping define “the fierce urgency of now” – Dr. King’s prophetic words to encourage an urgent sense of community unity and healing in times of change and conflict.
In its annual tradition of continuing the celebration throughout the day, Otterbein University, in conjunction with Westerville Parks & Recreation, will host service projects through its “Day-On” community service program at the Westerville Community Center. The public is invited to participate.
Registration prices for the breakfast are $25 per adult and $15 per student. Businesses may sponsor a table for $300, which includes 10 breakfast registrations and the recognition as a table sponsor in the event program.
The event will be held at the Villa Milano Banquet and Conference Center, 1630 Schrock Rd. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at 8 a.m. For more information, please visit www.leadershipwesterville.org.
