See our Activities page for an upcoming event APRIL 1, 2012!
2012 MLK Events Draw Record Crowds
The 31st Annual Prayer Breakfast
Dr. Boyce Watkins, “The People’s Scholar,” wows crowd at annual Prayer Breakfast
Dr. Boyce Watkins addressed 1,050 guests at the 31st annual Prayer Breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 in the Grand Ballroom of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. The Prayer Breakfast is among the largest public celebrations in Western North Carolina, and its diverse crowd reflects the best spirit and highest aspirations of the mountain region. For a photo gallery of the breakfast, visit photographer Doug Grant’s online archive page.
Dr. Watkins adjured the crowd to do more than just talk justice and dream of the Beloved Community about which Dr. King spoke. “We have accomplished much,” he said, “but there is much more that needs to be done. We have too many PhDs and not enough Ph-Dos.”
Watkins, professor of finance at Syracuse University, is often called “the People’s Scholar” for his approach to investing the intellectual underpinnings of his financial expertise with a sociological flavor. Specializing in financial psychology, educational motivation, and black social commentary, he has appeared on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, ABC News, and BET and written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Black Enterprise magazine. His renowned research at Syracuse University has been cited by Forbes, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and many other outlets. He has been a visiting scholar at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in China, The Center for European Economic Research in Germany, and Carnegie-Mellon University. (Dr. Watkins’s biography)
Previous keynote speakers have included writer and commentator Donna Brazile, U.S. Representatives Shirley Chisolm and Walter Fauntroy, news correspondents Michele Martin, Leonard Pitts, Jr., and Juan Williams, and Civil Rights leaders Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, and U.S. Civil Rights Commission chairperson Dr. Mary Frances Berry.
The Prayer Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes music by the Asheville Unity & Fellowship Choir, directed by Alaysia Black Hackett. Tickets to the breakfast are $25 for adults ($30 after Dec. 31), $15 for youth under 18, and $35 for patrons. Tickets and additional information are available by phone at 828-335-6896 or by email at editor@myowneditor.com.
The King holiday celebration events are cosponsored by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and many area businesses, organizations, and faith communities. For more details on the weekend events, contact Oralene Simmons, chairperson, at 828-281-1624, or the MLK Association office at 828-335-6896.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Boyce Watkins
Dr. Boyce Watkins is one of the most highly sought after African American scholars in the world today. Specializing in financial psychology, educational motivation, and black social commentary, he has presented his message to millions, making regular appearances on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, ABC News, and BET and writing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Black Enterprise magazine. His renowned research at Syracuse University has been cited by Forbes, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and many other outlets. He has been a visiting scholar at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in China, The Center for European Economic Research in Germany, and Carnegie-Mellon University.
Dr. Watkins earned both BA and BS degrees with a triple major in Finance, Economics, and Business Management, and on graduation he was selected by the Wall Street Journal as the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Finance. He then earned a Masters Degree in Mathematical Statistics and a PhD from Ohio State University.
Seriously committed to social justice, Dr. Watkins has been an outspoken critic of social and racial inequality. His fourth book, What if George Bush were a Black Man? has been featured in the national media as one of the most riveting statements in modern social commentary. His commitment to inner-city youth is embodied by his role as National Director of the Step Up and Go to College Program. As a former struggling high school student, Dr. Watkins formed this program to give students the motivation and tools to succeed at the college level.
Dr. Watkins is redefining the role of the public scholar in American society. Known as “The People’s Scholar,” Dr. Watkins presents an unprecedented blending of financial theory, social commentary, and down-to-earth socio-political thought.
Peace March
The 2012 Peace March and Rally attracted an overflow crowd to St. James AME Church for a pre-march service hosted by Rev. Brent LaPrince Edwards and featuring the Spirit of King choir from MAHEC and a surprise solo performance by Rev. Edwards’s father, a professional singer. Longtime Asheville community leader Willie Mae Brown spoke of “The Purpose” of the occasion.
Shortly after noon the gathering marched to City-County Plaza in Pack Square Park, where Eric Howard, MSW, of Randolph Learning Center, and UNC Asheville Professor of Philosophy Keya Maitra, PhD, addressed the rally. Music was provided by WestSound.
Before and during the march participants donated more than 180 pounds of nonperishable food for MANNA Food Bank with the assistance of students from Christ School. After the Rally, scores of marchers returned to St. James for the church’s annual fish fry lunch provided by the Ferguson-Cowan Mens Club.
Candlelight Service
Each year the Candlelight Service offers a time of quiet contemplation as we honor those who best exemplify the spirit and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, January 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Nazareth First Baptist Church at 146 Pine Street, Chairperson Mrs. Oralene Simmons presented the Martin Luther King Award for 2012 to Rev. Scott Rogers of Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry. She also presented three other awards to area community leaders: the Community Service Award to Asheville Fire chief Scott Burnette; the Community Humanitarian Award to Dr. James Pitts of NAMI; and the Beloved Community Award to Warren-Wilson College Director of Diversity Debra Kiliru.
The Reynolds-Miller Chorale sang under the direction of Trevor Chavis.
Youth Program
The Youth Celebration on Thursday, January 12, 2012, begins at 4:00 p.m. at Lipinsky Auditoriumat UNC Asheville. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our area’s outstanding young people who embody the aspirations of Dr. King by reaching out into the community to offer leadership, compassion, and assistance to those in need. The 2012 Youth Award will be bestowed on one or more deserving students, and a college-bound honoree will benefit from a Martin Luther King Scholarship for his or her 2012-13 school year.