Breakfast 2025

Freedom Isn't Free

The 55th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast

Monday, January 20, 2025

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, Ensemble Ballroom

Our In-Person Event is SOLD OUT.

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Keynote Speaker

Angela Davis

Professor, Author, and Activist

View the 2025 Breakfast Program

On January 20, 2025, the next administration was sworn in, with their plans to dramatically change American life and target our most vulnerable.

But on January 20, 2025, we too gathered, and for a different purpose.

We gathered to convene, to envision, and to embody the Beloved Community that we yearn for. We gathered to break bread and to be nourished for the urgent work of justice and equity in our community. And we gathered to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose legacy of organizing and leadership inspires us today for the difficult road ahead of building the Beloved Community.

We gathered for the 55th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast under the theme “Freedom Isn’t Free.” We were blessed to have as our keynote speaker professor, author, and activist Angela Davis.

As part of the Annual Breakfast, we recognized the contributions of community leaders. Congratulations to our Drum Major Awardees: The Authentic Caribbean Foundation, Inc., UHM Properties, Inc., and Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club. We also gave out $2,500 college scholarships to students in Boston to invest in our leaders of tomorrow!

Dr. Angela Y. Davis whose most recent book of essays, called Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement, was the 2025 Keynote Speaker for the 55th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast (Boston, MA). Photos by Julia Zhogina.
Dr. Angela Y. Davis whose most recent book of essays, called Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement, was the 2025 Keynote Speaker for the 55th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast (Boston, MA). Photos by Julia Zhogina.
Dr. Davis inspired all with her remarks on the theme ““Freedom isn’t Free.”
Dr. Davis inspired all with her remarks on the theme ““Freedom isn’t Free.”
Over 1500 persons from the beloved community gathered in person to connect, dream, and inspire one another under the theme “Freedom isn’t Free.”
Over 1500 persons from the beloved community gathered in person to connect, dream, and inspire one another under the theme “Freedom isn’t Free.”
Simona Kara performs a powerful duet with Aric Flemming Jr., “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Simona Kara performs a powerful duet with Aric Flemming Jr., “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Aric Flemming Jr., also known as Aric. B, serenades the Breakfast alongside Simona Kara in a soaring duet.
Aric Flemming Jr., also known as Aric. B, serenades the Breakfast alongside Simona Kara in a soaring duet.
Boston Arts Academy Spirituals Ensemble, directed by Michael W. Bradley, stunned Breakfast attendees for the second year in row with their astounding a cappella voices, blessing all with “The Word Was God.”
Boston Arts Academy Spirituals Ensemble, directed by Michael W. Bradley, stunned Breakfast attendees for the second year in row with their astounding a cappella voices, blessing all with “The Word Was God.”
Jessica Brown, co-anchor of WCVB Channel 5’s NewsCenter 5 at Noon with Antoinette Antonio as well as NewsCenter 5 at 4PM with Ben Simmoneau, stunningly reprised her role as Leader of Ceremonies.
Jessica Brown, co-anchor of WCVB Channel 5’s NewsCenter 5 at Noon with Antoinette Antonio as well as NewsCenter 5 at 4PM with Ben Simmoneau, stunningly reprised her role as Leader of Ceremonies.
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the New England United Methodist Conference, leads the Invocation.
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the New England United Methodist Conference, leads the Invocation.
James Dilday Esq. welcomed all participants on behalf of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, one of the co-conveners of the Breakfast.
James Dilday Esq. welcomed all participants on behalf of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, one of the co-conveners of the Breakfast.
Rev. Dr. Jay Williams, Lead Pastor of Union Combined Parish (one of the co-conveners of the Breakfast), rooted the community in the history of the work, where we have been, and illuminated the future of the work ahead.
Rev. Dr. Jay Williams, Lead Pastor of Union Combined Parish (one of the co-conveners of the Breakfast), rooted the community in the history of the work, where we have been, and illuminated the future of the work ahead.
Governor Maura Haley encouraged community members with commitments to justice across the Commonwealth.
Governor Maura Haley encouraged community members with commitments to justice across the Commonwealth.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) galvanized us with her words and her commitment to fighting for her constituents and all those who are on the margins, before presenting our MLK Scholars Awards to high school students.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) galvanized us with her words and her commitment to fighting for her constituents and all those who are on the margins, before presenting our MLK Scholars Awards to high school students.
Senator Ed Markey empowered the community to get engaged at every level of justice work.
Senator Ed Markey empowered the community to get engaged at every level of justice work.
Segun Idowu, Boston's Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion of the Office of the Mayor of the City of Boston, spoke on behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu.
Segun Idowu, Boston's Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion of the Office of the Mayor of the City of Boston, spoke on behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu.
Elynor L. Walcott and Frank F. Poindexter (absent: Paul L. Poindexter and Lloyd E. Poindexter) owners and managers of Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club receiving the 2025 Drum Major Award. Wally’s is among the oldest family owned and operated jazz clubs in existence.
Elynor L. Walcott and Frank F. Poindexter (absent: Paul L. Poindexter and Lloyd E. Poindexter) owners and managers of Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club receiving the 2025 Drum Major Award. Wally’s is among the oldest family owned and operated jazz clubs in existence.
Kevin Bynoe, CEO of UHM Properties, Inc., receiving the Drum Major Award for his indomitable commitment to affordable housing throughout Greater Boston.
Kevin Bynoe, CEO of UHM Properties, Inc., receiving the Drum Major Award for his indomitable commitment to affordable housing throughout Greater Boston.
Andrew Sharpe, founder and CEO of the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, Inc., receiving the Drum Major Award for the organization’s leadership in ensuring the children of Caribbean heritage are connected to their roots and ensuring members of the disability community in the US and Caribbean are empowered to achieve financial independence, protect themselves, and manage the impact of climate change on their livelihoods as well as live a full and happy life.
Andrew Sharpe, founder and CEO of the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, Inc., receiving the Drum Major Award for the organization’s leadership in ensuring the children of Caribbean heritage are connected to their roots and ensuring members of the disability community in the US and Caribbean are empowered to achieve financial independence, protect themselves, and manage the impact of climate change on their livelihoods as well as live a full and happy life.
Before the Breakfast, Dr. Davis gathered with members of the community.
Before the Breakfast, Dr. Davis gathered with members of the community.
Community members rise in spirit and hope to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Community members rise in spirit and hope to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, joins in the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, joins in the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Rev. Dr. Jay Williams announces future Martin Luther King Jr. celebration collaborations with Dr. Imari K Paris Jeffries (with Embrace Boston) and Andrés Holder (with Boston Children's Choir).
Rev. Dr. Jay Williams announces future Martin Luther King Jr. celebration collaborations with Dr. Imari K Paris Jeffries (with Embrace Boston) and Andrés Holder (with Boston Children's Choir).
Aric Flemming Jr. (vocals) with Plamen Karadonev (keys), David Buda (bass) and Fabio Pirozzolo (percussion) leading us in “Made a Way.”
Aric Flemming Jr. (vocals) with Plamen Karadonev (keys), David Buda (bass) and Fabio Pirozzolo (percussion) leading us in “Made a Way.”
Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast Committee. The Committee is composed of pastors and lay volunteers from St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and Union Combined Parish (United Methodist Church).
Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast Committee. The Committee is composed of pastors and lay volunteers from St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and Union Combined Parish (United Methodist Church).

Become a Sponsor

We invite you to support the important work of this Breakfast. With various levels of sponsorship, you can find the best option for you and your organization!
Learn More

Become a Sponsor

We invite you to support the important work of this Breakfast. With various levels of sponsorship, you can find the best option for you and your organization!
Learn More
Become an Institutional Partner
Institutions and non-profit organizations are key partners in the work of building the Beloved Community. These groups may become an Institutional Partner at a rate discounted below corporate sponsors.

Being an Institutional Partner reserves a full table (10 seats) and will get your institution's name printed in the Breakfast program booklet.
Learn More

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Premiere Sponsor

MathWorks

Media Sponsors

Boston Neighborhood Network
WCVB

Lead Sponsors: $10,000

Action for Boston Community Development
Bay State Banner (in-kind)
Cabot Corporation
Denny and Miles Families
Fidelity Investments
Liberty Mutual Insurance
The Wu Committee

Rise Sponsors: $5,000

Babson College
Boston Medical Center Health System
The Boston Foundation
Cambridge Housing Authority
Cambridge Savings Bank
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Justice Resource Institute
King’s Chapel
Martin Richard Foundation
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
NAACP, Boston Branch
Point32Health
Reparations Task Force of the City of Boston
TJX Companies, Inc.
UHM Properties
YMCA of Greater Boston

Hope Sponsors: $2,500

AFT Massachusetts
Anonymous
Boston Teachers Union
Boston University School of Theology
Central Boston Elder Services
David and Sharon Jackson
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
New England Conference of The UMC
Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden
Someone Else’s Child
Spencer Preservation Group
Stone & Company, LLC
Trinity Church in the City of Boston
UHM Properties
United Methodist Foundation of New England

Dream Sponsors: $1,000

Babson College
Boston Food Forest Coalition
Boston Law Collaborative, LLC
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization
Committee for the Status and Role of Women, New England Conference of The UMC
William James College

Advocate Sponsors: $500

Longfellow Clubs
Preachers’ Aid Society of New England
Rockland Trust Bank
Zen Center Northshore

Equity Sponsors: $150

Calvary Church, UMC
Committee to Elect Ruthzee Louijeune
Denton Crews
Dr. Joyya Smith
Kathe German
Mary T. Bassett
Museum of African American History
Nancy Krieger, Ph.D.
Papercuts Bookshop
Radhika Nagpal and Quinton Zondervan
Registrar of Probate Stephanie L. Everett, Esq.
The Reverend Dr. Charlene Zuill
The Williams Agency
aPlus Management

Institutional Partners

BC High
Boston College
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston
Celebrity Series of Boston
Committee to Elect Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll
Curry College
Desiree Patrice
Dr. Albert D. Holland High School of Technology
Embrace Boston
Harvard Extension School
Lynn Community Health Center
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Massachusetts Gaming Commission
Northeastern University
Sheriff Steven Tompkins
The Suzy Newhouse Center for the Humanities at Wellesley College
Tufts Medicine
UMass Boston
The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Wellington Management