Greensboro's first Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast was held on January 19, 1987. The City's Human Rights Commission established the breakfast to:

• Commemorate the life and works of Dr. King
• Provide an opportunity for the public to reflect on the status of human rights in Greensboro
• Inspire community members to affirm the principles of equal opportunity and treatment for all

The first breakfast was held in the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, pastored by the Rev. Frank Dew. Approximately 75 people attended.

The popularity of the memorial breakfast grew rapidly. The second year, the location changed to Greensboro Coliseum's Blue Room to accommodate the larger audience. By 1992, attendance had grown to more than 300 and the location was moved to the Koury Convention Center, where it remains today. Over the past several years, attendance has ranged between 700 to more than 900 people.

Highlights of the breakfasts include:

• Spiritual musical selections by high school choirs and occasionally special recording artists
• Exhortations by guest speakers to walk in Dr. King's footsteps and stand up for justice
• Passion and inspiration aroused by the fellowship of a diverse audience

Past speakers include: Kweisi Mfume, Dr. Alma Adams, Melvin "Skip" Alston, Carolyn Q. Coleman, Albert Lineberry, Harvey Gantt and former NC Supreme Court Justice Henry Frye.

Kenneth Morris of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives was the keynote speaker for the 2024 event. Clarence Henderson, Summer Hunter, and Michelle Linster received the 2024 Everyday Champions of Civil Rights awards. Watch the full program online. See photos from the event on the department's Facebook page.

A sold-out crowd attended the 2023 breakfast hosted by the Koury Convention Center. The theme was "Every Day Champions: Honoring Local Human Rights Pioneers" and Cone Health Chief Inclusion Officer Niketa Greene delivered the keynote address. The inaugural class of Every Day Champions of Civil Rights in Greensboro was honored at the event. Watch a recording of the program and enjoy some photos.

For more information about this event, contact Paula Washington at 336-373-2038.