Asheville Prepares for a Meaningful Celebration of Dr. King’s Legacy
As Asheville gears up for its 44th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy, excitement is in the air! The city is preparing to honor the profound impact of Dr. King by inviting the community to come together and reflect on his message of hope and equality. This year’s theme is truly inspiring: “Let Us Rise Up With a Greater Readiness and Determination.”
An Inspiring Guest Speaker
The event will feature Jonathan McCoy, the Director of the Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, as the esteemed guest speaker. Jonathan isn’t just a knowledgeable leader; he has deep, personal connections to the values that Dr. King championed. Raised in a family committed to social justice, Jonathan is the son of Rev. William and Joan McCoy, who served in various capacities, including as a chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. His upbringing involved attending services inside prisons, surrounded by men longing for change. These early experiences fundamentally shaped his perspective on servant leadership and the necessity for social justice.
Community Engagement
Currently, Jonathan is also the interim pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Mars Hill, NC. He wears many hats in the community, being active in numerous organizations that work towards equality and empowerment. In addition to his role as Vice President of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County, he serves as the chair of their Community Outreach Providing Empowerment Program. Jonathan is also involved as a board member of the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and participates in the Madison County Racial Justice Coalition as a leadership team member.
Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast
The celebration will kick off with the Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, January 18, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m. The event will take place at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Resort, located at 1 Resort Drive in Asheville. This breakfast offers a wonderful opportunity for community members to come together, share stories, and reflect on Dr. King’s dream while enjoying a meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Getting Tickets
For those interested in attending this meaningful event, tickets are available for purchase. You can find them online at the official website, but be sure to act fast! Online ticket sales will close on January 6, 2025, to ensure that everyone receives their tickets in time. Alternatively, community members can also purchase tickets directly through Board and Celebration Committee members, making it even easier to join in on this important celebration.
A Call to Action
This year’s celebration is more than just a remembrance; it is a call to action. As we gather to honor Dr. King’s legacy, it will also be a chance for everyone—young and old—to reflect on how they can contribute to the ongoing fight for social justice and equality in our communities. Asheville has a rich tapestry of diverse voices, and this event promises to uplift and inspire.
So mark your calendars and get ready to rise up with greater readiness and determination as we pay tribute to a leader whose vision still resonates today. We can’t wait to see everyone there!
