In 1994, Dr. George Storms, community leader, Edna Spencer, Previous Director of Diversity & Affirmative Action, Gordon Hargrove, previous Friendly House Executive Director, and Dorothy Hargrove, previous School Committee Member sought to initiate this city’s youth event in celebration of the legacy and commitment of Dr. King to improving the lives of young people through education. We celebrated our 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast on Saturday, January 14, 2023. The program includes performances, noted distinctions and awards to our community and youth, university scholarships, and essay/poetry contest.
Poetry Contest The MLK Jr. Youth Breakfast Poetry Contest is open to 7th – 12th graders. Poems must be based and address the theme. The theme for Januray 2023’s Youth Breakfast was ‘Give Us the Ballot: My Civil Right –Voting’ Last year, Martin Luther King III and family called into action ‘there should be no MLK Jr. Day celebrations without meaningful voting rights legislation.” Arndrea Waters King said, “Voting is an essential part of our democracy’s infrastructure, and we cannot afford for it to crumble any further.” This year’s poetry entries will have a focus on, ‘the importance of our communities civil rights to voting.’ As we continue to embody the MLK Jr.’s courage and message to call our democracy into providing access to voting as an essential part of our civil rights, share with us what the above theme means to you through poetic expression.
Community Service Award The Community Service Award is given to a youth, twenty years old or younger, whom exemplifies the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through distinguished community service and academic achievement.
Youth Service Award Each year the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast recognizes one individual who has demonstrated exceptional service to our cities’ youth with our “Youth Service Award.” This year, the Worcester State University Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Breakfast committee is seeking your assistance in identifying community leaders who has impacted our youth and who personifies Dr. King’s legacy of service, volunteerism and dedication, who might be considered for the 2023 Youth Service Award.
The selection committee selects the recipient who best exemplifies Dr. King’s six steps to nonviolent social change:
1) Gathering Information – What does this person know about his or her community? 2) Educate others – Are they helping others understand the problems that exist within the community? If so, are they building alliances to bring about positive social change? 3) Remain Committed – In the face of obstacles, are they still committed to their work? 4) Negotiate – Are they seeking common ground to solve problems within the community? 5)Take Direct Action – Have they taken action to address needed change? 6) Reconcile – Have they maintained a peaceful and constructive approach to bringing about change; even when they must agree to disagree?
