By: Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
The 45th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast took place this week, bringing together hundreds across the region to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: The Power of Justice and Radical Love,” set the tone for a powerful morning of reflection, unity, and action.
The breakfast, hosted by Capitol Broadcasting Company and coordinated by the Triangle MLK Committee, has become an annual tradition in the Triangle, gathering people from various faiths and backgrounds.
This year’s speakers spoke to the essence of Dr. King’s work, emphasizing that justice and love are not just ideals but active forces that can transform society.
Donna Coletrane Battle, Ph. D., a spiritual practitioner, soul coach, and educator focused on justice and healing in her keynote speech. Battle, who holds a BA in public relations from NC A&T State University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, addressed the intersection of race, gender, and spirituality, bringing a profound sense of urgency to the ongoing work for justice.
Parts of the highlighted points of the event was how Dr. King’s ability to combine strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, open-mindedness, and deep passion helped him become one of the most effective leaders in American history. Battle stressed the importance of continuing Dr. King’s mission today, urging the community to focus on healing through love, and on fostering a just world where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
Awards were presented to individuals and organizations that exemplified Dr. King’s mission in their work. These honorees were recognized for their efforts to uplift the community, promote equality, and serve those in need. As part of the celebration, a grant of $7,500 was also given to support future initiatives aimed at promoting social justice.
“We are committed to continuing Dr. King’s work of justice, fairness, and equality,” said Reverend William Lucas, chair of the Triangle MLK Committee, in his remarks. “The people we honor today prove that his mission is still possible.”
The event featured powerful musical performances, including a stirring rendition of “In the Water” by Melissa Wade, and a dynamic performance by gospel artist Earnest Pugh, who sang “God Did It,” bringing the crowd to their feet with his uplifting message of faith and resilience.
A highlight of the event was the youth speaker, an honor student from Garner Magnet High School. The young speaker shared a heartfelt reflection on Dr. King’s legacy, emphasizing the role of today’s youth in continuing the fight for justice.
The breakfast was enriched by the participation of religious leaders from across the Triangle, each offering a prayer and reflection on their respective faith traditions. Pastor Sharon Dean from Wake Chapel Church, Imam Sami Kocak from the Islamic Center of Cary, and Rabbi Eric Solomon from Beth Meyer Synagogue each spoke on the theme of unity, justice, and love.
The celebration of Dr. King’s legacy continued beyond the prayer breakfast with a variety of events throughout the weekend.
The United Way’s MLK Day of Service in Raleigh, a student-driven service event for children, youth and teens to participate in group art projects, volunteerism, panels and workshops, offered an opportunity for community members to engage in volunteer work, contributing to projects that support underserved populations. A free concert featuring music from Black composers also took place, giving attendees the chance to enjoy powerful performances while honoring Black cultural contributions to American history.
In Cary, the MLK 5K Walk for Hope took place, bringing together families, students, and community leaders to walk in solidarity and raise awareness for issues related to racial justice. The week-long series of “Dreamfest” events provided opportunities for education, reflection, and action.
The day also featured the 45th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony, held just half an hour down the road in Raleigh at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens. Sponsored by the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA), the ceremony included Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Sturdivant of the historic Springfield Baptist Church as the keynote speaker.
The National Day of Racial Healing Community Dialogue took place at First Baptist Church, stemming from a partnership between the YMCA of the Triangle, the Encouraging Place, Triangle MLK Committee, Raleigh Chamber, and Wake County, with support from Wells Fargo. Rev. Dr. Sterling E. Freeman, a leadership coach and organizational change agent, delivered the keynote address, addressing issues of racial healing and community dialogue.
The day concluded with the 45th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March in downtown Raleigh, beginning at the State Capitol Building. Civic organizations, community leaders, and families gathered for the Annual Memorial Tribute March to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy while reaffirming their commitment to the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
