​​2026 Dr. Martin luther King Jr. BREAKFAST CELEBRATION
​January 19, 2026 | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. |Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris
​

Our theme for 2026 is Hope Through Action. Our panelists will explore how people and organizations can take action in their community through civic engagement, advocacy, community organizing, and direct service.

Our panelists include Floyd Akins, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement​ at Otterbein University, Jeremy Hollon, Associate Director of Community Partnerships for Community Refugee and Immigration Services, and Jen Miller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio.

Alston and Fouse Award winners will also be recognized.

Register for the Breakfast

As part of the breakfast, we will be highlighting direct service organizations. If you'd like to be included, please out this form by Thurs. Nov. 20.

2026 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Legacy Sponsor

Legacy Sponsor

2026 Table Sponsors

---

watch the 2023 Breakfast CElebration

​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.
​
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.