UW Tacoma to host 8th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast

The University of Washington Tacoma will host the 8th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast in January to recognize and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his historic civic leadership that inspired a nation to strive for equality.

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that declared “separate but equal” unconstitutional and began the integration of the public school system, forever changing the educational landscape in America. This gathering honors the message of Dr. King and the progress he continues to inspire.

To recognize this important event in the civil rights movement, the landmark Supreme Court decision that desegregated public education, the organizing committee has invited Cheryl Brown Henderson to give the keynote address at this year’s MLK Unity Breakfast. Brown Henderson is one of the three daughters of the late Reverend Oliver L. Brown, who, along with 12 other parents led by the NAACP, filed a lawsuit against the local Board of Education in Topeka, Kan., on behalf of their children in the historic case Brown vs. Board of Education. Upon appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the case became the lead among five other legal challenges. Oliver Brown died in 1961 before knowing the impact his case would have on the country. Brown Henderson has an extensive background in education, business and civic leadership.

The breakfast will also feature performances by local Gospel Group, Jerusalem’s Gate, Kellie Richardson (renowned local spoken word artist/poet), and UW Student talent.

The 8th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast will be held on Mon., Jan. 20, between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the University of Washington Tacoma, William W. Philip Hall, 1918 Pacific Ave., in downtown Tacoma.

The Unity Breakfast was established by the Black Student Union to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, and inspire members of the campus community to continue to work to make his vision of an equitable society a reality. The program recognizes students, faculty, and community members for outstanding service to the community through the Dream Awards which are presented during the program. The breakfast is planned with an inclusion of area youth and strives to provide opportunities for service and reflection through the Week of Service events.

This year’s Unity Breakfast is co-sponsored by the Division of Student and Enrollment Services and the Black Student Union.

More information is available online at tacoma.uw.edu/events/content/2014-mlk-jr-unity-breakfast.

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