​2024 Dr. Martin luther King Jr. BREAKFAST CELEBRATION
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Dr. King's Legacy Today: A Discussion with NYT Bestselling author, NIc Stone

​January 15, 2024 | 8 - 10 a.m. | Villa Milano

Register to attend by purchasing tickets here.

Student Ticket (under 18): $30
Adult Ticket: $35
Table of 8: $400 

PResented By:

NiC Stone, Bestselling Author 

Nic Stone is a bestselling author and an outspoken racial and social justice advocate. Stone burst onto the scene with her #1 New York Times bestselling debut novel, Dear Martin, which chronicles the story of a seventeen-year-old Black high school senior, Justyce McAllister, after a bloody run-in with the police places him squarely in the crosshairs of media fallout. Seeking meaning in the events that follow and grappling with racism—and what it means for his future—Justyce writes a series of letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Of this fictional narrative inspired by everyday encounters for young Black Americans, author Jason Reynolds certifies Dear Martin is “raw and gripping.” ​

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​THE HISTORY OF THE WESTERVILLE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST

​The first Westerville, Ohio breakfast to honor Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was held January 3, 2006 at Heritage Christian Church. The senior pastor of that congregation, Rev. Jim Zippay launched the event. He was joined by Reverend Vaughn Bell of Westerville’s Triumphant Church of God. A community committee representing the city government, schools, Otterbein University, the library, and interested local residents began planning the annual events.

Beginning in 2008, annual awards were presented to adults and youth in the community whose actions represented the ideals of Dr. King. The following year with the assistance of Otterbein University the committee began encouraging residents to provide community service and participate in activities that spread the message of Dr. King. As the breakfast attendance grew and the committee brought speakers from out of state, new community support was sought. Leadership Westerville took the committee under its wing and provided website and social media assistance along with financial guidance.
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Through the years the committee brought quality speakers from around the country to present at the breakfast. Eventually speakers were contracted to spend several days in Westerville to provide time for more interactive presentations with Otterbein students and with local residents. Speakers have included: Jefferson Thomas, a member of the Little Rock Nine; Robert Peeples, a World War II Tuskegee Airman, Debbie Irving, author of Waking up White; and Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, pastor of Calvary Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.