By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
Across the Triangle, communities came together throughout the weekend and into Monday to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marking the federal holiday with events centered on service and culture.
The weekend culminated Monday morning in Durham with the 45th annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, welcoming hundreds of visitors to the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. The longstanding tradition brought together faith leaders, community advocates and residents from across the region.
The 2026 theme, “Mission Possible: The Power of Justice and Radical Love,” featured keynote speaker Rev. Jemonde Taylor, rector of Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh. Taylor, who grew up in Louisburg and attended Saint Matthias’ Episcopal Church, spoke on the moral urgency of faith-driven justice. The program was hosted by WRAL anchor Gerald Owens and emphasized interfaith collaboration as a pathway to lasting social change.
In Raleigh, hundreds of families, activists and elected officials filled the streets for the city’s 46th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March. Beginning outside the historic State Capitol, participants marched down Fayetteville Street, singing hymns such as “Amazing Grace” and “This Little Light of Mine,” while holding signs quoting King’s teachings.
The procession ended at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, where an ecumenical service honored King’s life and message. Many marchers reflected on the current political climate, describing it as divisive and challenging, and looked to King’s words for guidance and hope. U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross also attended.
Durham’s observance continued Monday afternoon with a focus on service and literacy at Book Harvest’s 15th Annual Dream Big Book Drive at Boxyard RTP. Held in honor of Dr. King’s legacy, Dream Big is the organization’s largest event of the year and reflects its mission to ensure every child has access to books and the opportunity to read. The event blended a book drive, volunteer opportunities, a community partner fair and a festival atmosphere, drawing families and supporters from across the Triangle. Book Harvest accepted new and gently used children’s books for ages 0 to 18, with a special need for board books, picture books, and Spanish and bilingual titles.
Community engagement also extended through partnerships with organizations such as Love Durham and members of the Divine Nine.
The weekend’s celebrations concluded with cultural expression in Cary at the Arts Center, where the 2026 Dreamfest Cultural Celebration, themed “The Beloved Community: Honoring Dignity, Uplifting Humanity,” brought together entertainment and inspiration.
The event featured keynote speaker Rev. Jerome Gay Jr., senior pastor of Vision Church RDU, alongside performances by gospel recording artist CoCo McMillan, Pure Life Theater, the Deep River Singers, spoken word artist and rapper Maestra The Emcee, Blue Sands Entertainment’s string ensemble, the Enloe Magnet High Dance Collective, and the Black & Belonging Youth Ensemble.
