The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Scholarship Breakfast as part of Auburn University's King Week on Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 a.m.
The event was sponsored by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators - East Alabama Chapter and Access and Community Initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
The MLK breakfast was established nearly 30 years ago to commemorate the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. in the advancement of civil rights. A community award and three scholarships are awarded at the event.
The breakfast began with an introduction from the host, Richard LaGrand, a morning show host for WZMG. The pledge of allegiance, two musical selections and an invocation followed before attendees consumed a self-served breakfast.
Paulette Patterson Dilworth, assistant vice president of Access and Community Initiatives with the University, gave an update on Auburn's King Week as guests continued their breakfast. The theme for this year's King Week is "Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere."
The keynote speaker for the breakfast was Clifton Davis, an actor best known for his role as the Rev. Reuben Gregory on the NBC show "Amen." In addition to being an actor, Davis is also a singer, producer, composer, motivational speaker and minister.
In his speech, Davis recounted his experiences growing up during the civil rights movement, and what it was like to move from New York to Huntsville to attend college. He recalled having a diverse group of friends who supported him when much of America was grappling with social change.
"Prejudice wasn't just one color, and it wasn't all people," Davis said.
As he continued his speech, he repeated the words, "Thank you, Dr. King," as he listed numerous advances African-Americans have made because of King's work during the civil rights movement. Davis called the audience to continue Dr. King's work.
"And on this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, let us maximize the opportunity to keep the dream alive," Davis said as he closed his speech.
Davis received a standing ovation from the audience.
The Community Service Award was presented to the Sowers Club of First Presbyterian Church in Auburn, for their service to Auburn Day Care Center and young girls in Africa.
According to their website, the Sowers began in 2009 as a project to make Easter dresses for young girls eventually grew to become a means to provide underprivileged girls in Africa with dresses made from pillowcases. As of 2014, more than 100 dresses and 125 knitted caps have been made.
The Sowers said the greatest benefit has been the "fellowship with each other and knowing that their projects are making a difference for young and old alike."
Following the Community Service Award, three scholarships were awarded.
The Master of Public Administration Scholarship was awarded to Kadedra Smith, graduate student in public administration. Smith said her passion for public service inspired her to apply for the scholarship.
"I want to take this moment to thank the NFBPA for this opportunity and helping students like myself to walk a step closer in our efforts in reaching our goals," Smith said.
LeAnna Flowers, a senior at Auburn High School and member of the high school's marching band, received the Auburn High School Scholarship. She said she plans to use her scholarship to attend Auburn University and pursue a career in music therapy.
The final scholarship, the Opelika High School Scholarship, went to James Ruffin, a senior at Opelika High School. A member of SGA and his school's varsity football team, Ruffin said he plans to pursue a career in music. He said something he loves about music is it can inspire people, which he said he hopes to use his scholarship to achieve one day.
Following the awards ceremony, 5 Hearts & a Beat returned to perform their a cappella rendition of the gospel song "Oh Happy Day."
LaGrand then closed the event and said, "Have yourself a happy day!"
More information on the MLK Breakfast and other King Week events can be found by contacting Auburn University's Access and Community Initiatives department at 334-844-5042 or by visiting auburn.edu/kingweek.
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