Join us for the 42nd Annual
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Birthday Breakfast
"LIFTING AS YOU CLIMB: HONORING LEGACY AND EMPOWERING THE FUTURE"
The City of Columbus takes great pride in its observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc. invites the public to the Columbus signature King Holiday event attended by thousands of diverse multicultural individuals. This is the largest event of its kind in the United States honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us at the flagship event on MLK Jr. Day, the national holiday commemorating Dr. King the fallen civil rights leader who transformed the world.
Mark Your Calendar
Monday January 18th, 2026
7:30am - 10:00am
Start your day with an uplifting message of hope, celebration of life, and unity. Join us for food, fellowship, and light as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Location
Columbus Convention Center
400 North High Street
Batelle Grand Ballroom
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Featured Speakers
The Breakfast keynote speaker leads us in tribute to, and remembrance of the fallen, global civil rights leader, Dr. King; who inspired nonviolent liberation movements around the world. The Breakfast continues to showcase community oratory tributes from student speakers of the Columbus City Schools and the King scholar, a prestigious designee from Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.
We endeavor to keep Martin Luther King Jr.’s great dream for America alive!
2027 Keynote Speaker
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a trailblazing faith leader, author, educator and social justice advocate. She serves as General Secretary/President of the National Council of Churches, representing 37 communions, 100,000 churches and more than 35 million people.
She made history as the first woman elected bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and later became the first woman to serve as President of both the AME Council of Bishops and General Board.
Throughout her ministry, she has led districts in the United States and Southern Africa and has remained committed to leadership development, education and community impact.
An internationally recognized preacher and teacher, Bishop McKenzie has spent more than three decades advocating for social justice and empowering women. She is the founder of Selah Leadership Encounters for Women, author of six books and producer of several documentaries. She also serves as National Chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Bishop McKenzie was married to former NBA player Dr. Stan McKenzie, mother of three and grandmother of two