Our 7th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast

Welcome!

Arrival

Over 300 people joined us this year.

Signing in

Those who wanted to keep up on our progress gave us their contact information

Attendees received a warm welcome

Diversity was one of the watchwords

People from all different backgrounds joined us.

The huge conference space filled up

Virtually SRO

By the time we got started (on time!), we were close to capacity.

Welcome from UMBC

Rev. Melvin Jones welcomed everyone to Union Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. Jones

Rev. Jones also briefly described the significance of this wonderful community event

Father Fred Thelen

Fr. Fred led us in a opening prayer and blessing over the meal.

Volunteers set up the delicious meal

It was a feast for both the eyes and the stomach

Along with plenty of food...

there was plenty of drink choices too!

Wonderful volunteers...

...made this whole event possible

Folks behind the scene were key

...to making the event run smoothly

Our Chef

Ms. Lupe Castillo

People sat down to a wonderful meal

Including eggs, bacon, oatmeal, muffins, juice, and coffee

The music was fabulous

...under expert direction

And the voices of angels

...Members of UMBC's amazing choir/Praise team

We had each group of Action's Member

...recognized by name.

And at the sound of their name

...each of Action's member congregations stood and cheered.

Action recognized Mr. Bill Cleary

...for all his years of service & devotion to the Action Board

Bill received the award...

....from his pastor, Rev. Margie Osborn

He then handed off the mantel...

...to our new Treasurer, Pastor Dan Nowiksi

The crowd warmly received our Speake

...Ms. Ana Garcia Ashley, Executive Director of the Gamaliel Network

Ana reminded us all...

...why were were here

Referencing our common scripture...

...Ana called us to "Walk our Talk".

Ana brought a sense of humor...

..but reminded us of the urgency and importance of working together for social change

And she asked us to be accountable..

...both in active participation and via monetary support.

Ana helped us celebrate...

...the donations of time, talent, and treasure.

Young Poets...

...Shared moving words of our current disparities

They boldly told it "like it is"

...Gave us a glimpse of their pain..

...and frustration in facing a world filled with inequitable systems..

...and systemic prejudices....

...that we, as Action, are working to dismantle.

A collection was taken up...

...to contribute to the important work Action is doing

And then some final thoughts...

...were offered by Imam Sohail Chaudhry from the Islamic Center of Greater Lansing

His powerful words reminded all...

...of our shared common ground, our one God, and our mutual passion to ceaselessly work for peace with justice

The event ended with...

...a standing ovation!

We ended with a closing prayer

Everyone agreed - -

--This was a truly wonderful, inspirational event

The media witnessed it

And all the moving presentations...

...were recorded for posterity.

There are so many people to thank...

Starting with our Director, Aida Cuarado

Our volunteers....

..who numbered in the tens of people

Our amazing Board members

Our speaker, presenters...

...poets, prayer leaders, and musicians.

And most especially, ...

...all of you who attended. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR JOINING US!